India and Sri Lanka Sign Three Defence Agreements During Historic Ministerial Visit to Colombo
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concluded a high-level three-day official visit to Sri Lanka on September 10, marking the first visit by an Indian defence minister to the island nation in nearly four decades. During the bilateral talks in Colombo, India and Sri Lanka inked three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) designed to enhance cooperation in defence equipment supply, joint military training, and capacity building.
In his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on September 9, Minister Singh underscored India’s role as a reliable first responder and maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region. President Dissanayake reassured New Delhi that Sri Lanka’s sovereign territory and maritime zones would never be permitted to be utilized for activities inimical to India’s strategic and security interests.
Minister Singh also held detailed bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, focusing on development cooperation, digital infrastructure, education, and research. Emphasizing capacity building and ancient civilizational ties, Singh highlighted Sri Lanka’s crucial role in maintaining regional maritime security, freedom of navigation, and unhindered oceanic trade under international law.
