India's Defence Minister Meets Sri Lankan President in Colombo

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday for bilateral discussions, as part of his ongoing three-day official visit to the island nation.

In a post on X, Mr. Singh described the meeting as "extremely fruitful" and extended congratulations to President Dissanayake's government on completing two years in office.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, which Mr. Singh described as "civilizational cousins, close neighbours, and maritime partners." Their discussions centred on collaborative efforts for the development of both nations, the well-being of their peoples, and ensuring security and stability in the region.

Mr. Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday. This visit is particularly significant as it is the first by an Indian Defence Minister to the country in nearly four decades, underscoring the importance New Delhi places on its defence and strategic ties with Colombo.

The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations, with a specific focus on expanding cooperation in the defence sector and enhancing regional maritime security. Further details of the meeting are expected to be released.