Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Colombo on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka defence and maritime cooperation.
Singh will hold talks with the Sri Lankan leadership on a range of issues, including bilateral defence cooperation, maritime security and regional security. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Colombo.
“Looking forward to a productive engagement with the leadership of Sri Lanka during the visit,” Singh said in a post on X, describing Sri Lanka as an important partner under India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
The Defence Ministry said the visit comes amid close civilisational ties and expanding cooperation in defence, security, trade and other areas. It also highlighted India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.
India had earlier announced a USD 450 million financial assistance package for post-cyclone reconstruction in Sri Lanka, covering transport infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare, agriculture and disaster management.
The visit follows a series of high-level defence engagements between the two countries. Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando visited India earlier this month and held talks with Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
The discussions covered bilateral defence cooperation, joint training, capacity building and maritime security, with both sides reiterating their commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said bilateral engagement had gained “a new intensity” over the past two to three years, with regular ministerial-level exchanges between the two countries.
“Security and defence are very significant aspects” of the partnership, Jha said, adding that Singh’s visit would take forward ongoing defence initiatives and review progress in bilateral cooperation.
(ANI Inputs)
