Rajnath Singh to Visit Sri Lanka for Defence, Maritime Talks

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake an official three-day visit to Sri Lanka from September 8 to 10, 2026, the government announced. The visit is aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation on defence, maritime security, and regional stability.

Singh will hold consultations with Sri Lankan leadership on a range of issues covering mutual security interests and economic collaboration. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo during his stay.

The minister will lead a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting the breadth of issues on the agenda.

India and Sri Lanka share deep civilisational links and a multifaceted partnership spanning defence, trade, and people-to-people ties. The relationship gained further momentum after India extended timely assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and was among the first responders following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.

These efforts underscore India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision, which promotes mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions.

The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally strong bilateral relationship, with particular emphasis on strengthening the maritime and defence partnership between the two neighbours.