India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to closer defence, maritime and regional security cooperation during Rajnath Singh’s visit to Colombo…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to working together on regional security, defence and development during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
The meeting came during Singh’s three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation.
Singh met Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to the Sri Lankan President. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation for the welfare and development of both countries, as well as efforts to promote safety, security, peace and prosperity in the region.
In a post on X, Singh described the meeting as “warm and extremely productive” and said he had conveyed greetings from Modi and extended felicitations to Dissanayake on the successful completion of two years of his government.
“We reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners India and Sri Lanka, would continue to work together for the development of our countries and welfare of our people as well as work jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of our region,” Singh wrote.
India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and other officials were present during the meeting.
Singh arrived in Colombo on Tuesday for the official visit, which is focused on deepening bilateral defence and maritime ties. Before departing for Sri Lanka, he said he looked forward to productive engagement with the country’s leadership.
He was warmly received at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the visit is expected to further strengthen traditionally strong and friendly bilateral relations in areas of mutual benefit, including defence and maritime cooperation.
“India and Sri Lanka share deep civilisational ties and a multifaceted partnership, anchored by regional security, defence, economic and trade cooperation and strong people-to-people ties,” the Ministry of Defence said.
The ministry also highlighted India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and its role as one of the first responders following Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka in 2025.
The ministry said the visit underscored India’s continued commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Prime Minister Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Singh also met members of the Indian community in Colombo on Tuesday and praised their contribution to relations between the two countries.
“Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in strengthening friendship between India and Sri Lanka. The Indian community is the ‘Sethu’ between India and Sri Lanka. India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis,” Singh wrote on X.
The visit comes as India and Sri Lanka continue to place emphasis on maritime security, defence cooperation and closer regional engagement, with both sides reiterating the importance of their longstanding ties.
