Colombo: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka “through thick and thin”, describing the bilateral relationship as a deep-rooted partnership founded on shared history, culture and civilisational ties.
Addressing a gathering aboard Indian Navy warship INS Udaygiri in Colombo, Singh said India and Sri Lanka are “crucial partners” in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region and stressed the importance of strengthening defence and maritime cooperation.
He said the Indian Ocean “doesn’t divide us but connects us” and that the relationship forms an important pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Singh also reiterated India’s readiness to support the requirements and priorities of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
The Defence Minister highlighted cooperation between the two militaries through joint exercises, training and capacity-building initiatives, including collaboration in search and rescue, counter-narcotics and anti-piracy operations.
INS Udaygiri’s visit, he said, reflected India’s desire to work “shoulder to shoulder” with Sri Lanka. The warship carried defence assistance including Indra MK-2 radar spares for the Sri Lankan Air Force, spares for Sri Lanka Navy Ship SAYURA and inflatable targets for the Sri Lankan Navy.
Earlier, Singh held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following which India and Sri Lanka signed three defence-related MoUs covering L-70 gun upgrades, cooperation between the two countries’ National Cadet Corps and collaboration between their National Defence Colleges.
Singh also announced that India and Sri Lanka would work together to establish an Artificial Intelligence Lab for the Sri Lankan Army to enhance its capabilities.
Three Bailey bridges constructed by an Indian Army engineering team in cooperation with Sri Lankan authorities were also virtually inaugurated. The bridges had been destroyed during Cyclone Ditwah.
Singh said the bilateral partnership would continue to be guided by cooperation, collaboration and brotherhood, while recalling the shared message of peace and mutual understanding associated with Lord Buddha.
