India-Sri Lanka
Rajnath Singh in Sri Lanka: India, Colombo take major step to boost defence cooperation
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday, with the two sides reaffirming their commitment to work together for the development and welfare of their people while jointly ensuring the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region.
President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, as well as the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts across different parts of Sri Lanka.
Singh emphasised that, as Sri Lanka’s closest friend and neighbour, India considers it its responsibility — and not a favour — to provide assistance as a first responder. He assured that New Delhi would continue to extend such support in the future.
The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.
During the meeting, India and Sri Lanka exchanged MoUs on the upgradation of L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, as well as cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Defence Colleges (NDC) of the two countries.
The MoU on the upgradation of six L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force comes under a Government of India grant. The upgraded air defence guns are expected to significantly strengthen the air defence architecture protecting critical assets in Sri Lanka.
Speaking on ‘India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region- Civilisational Partners with intertwined destinies’ in Colombo. https://t.co/XgIZ0ihKXI
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 9, 2026
The L70 guns were earlier provided to the Sri Lanka Air Force by India.
The MoU on academic cooperation between the National Defence College of India and the National Defence College of Sri Lanka will facilitate knowledge-sharing and further strengthen academic ties between the two institutions.
The MoU on NCC cooperation will formalise the NCC Youth Exchange Programme between India and Sri Lanka.
The programme provides an opportunity for NCC cadets from multiple countries to travel to New Delhi each year and participate in various NCC events, promoting greater interaction, cultural exchange and cooperation among young people.
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