India stands with Sri Lanka in crisis, says Rajnath Singh on maiden visit
Rajnath Singh begins maiden Sri Lanka visit, assures support in crises and highlights India's economic growth and defence exports.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began his maiden official visit to Sri Lanka on September 8, 2026, with an address to the Indian diaspora in Colombo. He affirmed that India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis, citing deep cultural and civilisational ties as the bedrock of bilateral relations.
Singh used the platform to spotlight India's economic transformation, noting the economy has doubled from USD 2 trillion in 2014 to approximately USD 4 trillion today. He pointed to a 7.8% growth rate in the first quarter of FY 2026-27 and said average inflation over the past 12 years has been around 4.7%, down from 10-11% in the earlier period.
On manufacturing, Singh highlighted that electronic goods production has surged from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to over Rs 11 lakh crore, with exports up 700%. India is now the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with units rising from two in 2014 to over 300. Mobile exports have grown nearly 163 times to Rs 2.6 lakh crore, while automobile exports have climbed to Rs 1.20 lakh crore annually.
Singh also noted that India has concluded trade deals with 38 countries in 12 years, including eight FTAs, and described the India-EU FTA as the 'Mother of All Deals'. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing India's global credibility.
In defence, Singh said exports have risen from Rs 600 crore to an all-time high of about Rs 39,000 crore, with the defence budget expanding from Rs 2 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.25 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
On welfare, Singh said around 25 crore Indians have been lifted out of poverty, and social security coverage has expanded from 25 crore to 95 crore citizens. He also highlighted infrastructure growth, railway electrification, and Rs 51 lakh crore transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer.
Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha attended the event.