Sri Lanka won't allow anti-India activities from its soil: President Anura to Rajnath

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Rajnath Singh that Colombo would not allow its territory to harm India's security interests. The meeting also produced three defence agreements and underlined closer maritime and crisis cooperation.

In Short

• Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Dissanayake in Colombo
• India and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their close strategic partnership
• Three defence-related MoUs were signed during the visit

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured India that Colombo will not allow its territory to be used for activities that threaten New Delhi's security interests, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met him during his three-day visit to Sri Lanka.

The minister, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday, held talks with Dissanayake on Wednesday on the wide-ranging partnership between the two neighbouring countries, with regional security, peace and prosperity high on the agenda. The meeting assumes significance amid growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean region and concerns over China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka and its surrounding waters.

The Ministry of Defence said the two leaders discussed issues covering the "entire spectrum" of the multi-faceted partnership between the two countries, which it described as being rooted in traditionally warm relations and mutual trust.

SRI LANKA REAFFIRMS INDIA SECURITY COMMITMENT

In a statement, India's Ministry of Defence said, Dissanayake recalled his previous interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated Colombo's security assurance to New Delhi.

"Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India's security interests," Dissanayake said, as quoted in the statement.

This comes as India continues to closely watch developments in the Indian Ocean, where Sri Lanka's strategic location gives it considerable importance for regional security.

Singh conveyed PM's greetings to Dissanayake and congratulated him on the completion of two years of his government. He also stressed the deep historical and civilisational links between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

"India and Sri Lanka reaffirm commitment to shared progress and people welfare while ensuring regional security and prosperity." The two sides also reiterated their intention to work together as close neighbours and maritime partners to promote development while contributing to the stability and security of the region.

THREE DEFENCE AGREEMENTS SIGNED

The visit also resulted in three defence-related understandings between India and Sri Lanka.

The two countries signed an agreement covering the upgrade of six L70 air defence guns operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The project will be funded through an Indian government grant and is aimed at strengthening the island nation's air defence capabilities.

India had previously provided the guns to the Sri Lankan Air Force.

The other agreements cover academic cooperation between the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps of the two countries. The latter will formalise a youth exchange programme involving NCC cadets.

INDIA REITERATES SUPPORT FOR SRI LANKA

Singh also underlined India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during times of crisis, referring to the two countries' longstanding relationship.

"As closest friend and neighbour, India considers it a responsibility to provide assistance as first responder, will continue to do so," the minister said.

Dissanayake, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for India's assistance during Cyclone Ditwah, including relief support under Operation Sagar Bandhu and a rehabilitation package for reconstruction efforts.

The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by Indian defence forces. Singh's visit marks the first trip by an Indian defence minister to Sri Lanka in 38 years.

- Ends