Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today called for enhanced India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation to ensure a secure, stable and favourable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Addressing Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Mr Aruna Jayasekara, Commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior officials at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo, the Defence Minister stated that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal to collective security and prosperity.
He emphasised that national security and economic growth are closely interlinked with geography and the security environment. Given their shared maritime space, India and Sri Lanka cannot remain indifferent to developments in the region.
Focus on Maritime Security & Operational Co-operation:
The Defence Minister noted the significant progress made in bilateral defence cooperation through capacity building, joint exercises and enhanced institutional engagement. He called for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka defence and strategic partnership, with a special focus on maritime security.
“We need to devise and implement joint protocols, sharpen our skills and share experiences to deal with emerging threats arising from rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics. This must be a continuous process.”
He called for new approaches to deepen maritime cooperation in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that “Mutual” and “Holistic” represent the need for greater synergy, interoperability and coordinated action among partner nations.
India-Sri Lanka Maritime Partnership a Pillar of Regional Security:
The Defence Minister described Sri Lanka as a friendly neighbour, longstanding friend and reliable partner, underlining the strategic importance of both nations in the maritime security architecture of the Indian Ocean.
He stated that India and Sri Lanka are bound by the shared ocean and that maritime security directly impacts their trade, national security and economic prosperity.
“Strong India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation will be mutually beneficial and vital for collective growth and security,” he said.
Strengthening SAR, Counter-Narcotics & Anti-Piracy Co-operation:
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the progress achieved in bilateral Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, which have helped save precious lives at sea.
He also underlined cooperation in counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and combating human trafficking, stressing the growing importance of coordinated responses to non-traditional maritime security threats.
The Defence Minister said the Colombo Security Conclave, with its focus on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cyber security and organised crime, has assumed greater relevance amid evolving regional security challenges.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre: Model of Bilateral Co-operation
The Defence Minister described the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, established with India’s cooperation, as a significant example of the two countries’ shared commitment to maritime safety and security.
He reaffirmed India’s readiness to support Sri Lanka through capacity building, joint exercises, expertise sharing and operational cooperation, enabling both sides to strengthen capabilities and refine joint protocols.
Integrated Maritime Domain Awareness on the Horizon:
Shri Rajnath Singh proposed greater cooperation towards developing a mutually beneficial and integrated Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework between India and Sri Lanka.
The proposed framework would facilitate timely maritime information sharing and closer coordination among relevant agencies, navies and coast guards.
It would strengthen the ability of both countries to counter threats such as illegal fishing, suspicious vessel movements, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other maritime security challenges.
Maritime Co-operation to Expand Beyond Security:
The Defence Minister called for a mutually beneficial approach to resolving fisheries-related issues affecting fishermen of both countries, while respecting applicable laws and geographical jurisdictions.
He stressed that the India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership must extend beyond traditional security concerns to include fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, maritime environmental protection and maritime tourism.
He also proposed exploring a joint maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mechanism, involving relevant agencies, disaster management authorities and scientific institutions for rapid and coordinated response to natural and man-made disasters.
India & Sri Lanka Must Shape a Secure Maritime Future:
The Defence Minister observed that the Indian Ocean is undergoing profound strategic and economic transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
He called upon India and Sri Lanka to synergise their capabilities, build on collective strengths and address emerging threats together.
“The tectonic shifts and rapid transformation underway present both challenges and opportunities. The two countries must leverage their longstanding maritime partnership to turn these opportunities into shared growth,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the future of India-Sri Lanka relations must be anchored in the reality that geographical proximity creates interdependence, while interdependence creates opportunities for shared growth and security.
Describing India as a true Vishwa Mitra — a trusted global friend, he reiterated India’s commitment to playing a constructive, dependable and responsible role in its shared neighbourhood.
He emphasised that holistic maritime security and mutual prosperity are two sides of the same coin, expressing confidence that India and Sri Lanka are well positioned to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
Defence Minister Pays Homage to IPKF Bravehearts:
Upon arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour.
He later laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla and paid solemn homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Shri Santosh Jha and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
