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India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on September 9 in Colombo, with the two leaders reviewing the broad spectrum of bilateral ties and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation for development, people’s welfare and regional security.
The meeting focused on the traditionally close and trust-based relationship between the two neighboring countries, with both sides describing India and Sri Lanka as civilizational partners and maritime neighbors. Singh conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and underlined the deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties that bind the two countries. Welcoming Singh, President Dissanayake recalled his interactions with Prime Minister Modi and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding India’s security interests.
He said Sri Lanka would “never allow its territory to be used for any activities inimical to India’s security interests.” The Sri Lankan President also expressed gratitude to India for its assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, as well as for the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts across the island nation. Singh said India’s assistance to Sri Lanka is not a favor but a responsibility arising from the close friendship between the two countries.
“As a closest friend and neighbor of Sri Lanka, India considers it a responsibility to provide assistance as the first responder and will continue to do so in the future as well,” he said. During the visit, the two sides also witnessed the virtual inauguration of three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian Defense Forces, highlighting India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and humanitarian requirements.
The two countries further exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) covering defense cooperation and institutional exchanges. One agreement provides for the upgradation of six L70 air defense guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force under a Government of India grant. The guns had earlier been supplied to Sri Lanka by India. Their upgrade is expected to enhance the island nation’s air defense capability, particularly for the protection of critical assets. Another MoU provides for academic cooperation between the National Defence College (NDC) of India and the NDC of Sri Lanka, facilitating greater knowledge-sharing and strengthening institutional and academic ties between the two defense education establishments.
An MoU between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) of India and Sri Lanka will formalize youth exchange cooperation. The programme provides Sri Lankan NCC cadets with opportunities to participate in events in New Delhi alongside cadets from other countries, fostering greater understanding and people-to-people contacts. The engagements underscored the shared emphasis on closer defense and security cooperation while advancing the broader India-Sri Lanka partnership and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
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