Rajnath Singh Meets Sri Lankan President
India and Sri Lanka reaffirm commitment to shared progress, people’s welfare and regional security
- Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
- Both leaders reaffirmed cooperation for regional peace, security and prosperity.
- Sri Lanka assured India its territory would not be used against India’s security interests.
- India and Sri Lanka exchanged MoUs on L70 gun upgrades, NCC and National Defence Colleges.
GG News Bureau
Colombo, 9th Sept: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and ensuring regional security and prosperity.
The two leaders held discussions covering the broad spectrum of the India-Sri Lanka partnership, marked by traditionally warm relations and mutual trust.
Both sides reiterated that as close neighbours, civilisational partners and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue working together for the development and welfare of their people while jointly contributing to regional peace, security and prosperity.
President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests. He also expressed gratitude for India’s relief assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and the rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi for reconstruction efforts across the island.
Rajnath Singh said India, as Sri Lanka’s closest friend and neighbour, considers providing assistance as a first responder a responsibility and would continue to support the country in the future.
The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.
India and Sri Lanka exchanged MoUs covering the upgradation of six L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Defence Colleges (NDC) of the two countries.
The L70 gun upgradation is being undertaken under a Government of India grant and is aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s air defence architecture for critical assets. The guns had earlier been provided to the Sri Lankan Air Force by India.
The MoU between the two National Defence Colleges will facilitate academic cooperation and knowledge sharing, while the NCC agreement will formalise the youth exchange programme between the two countries.
