Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Colombo today on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at deepening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation. Mr Singh was warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

The Ministry of Defence in a social media post said, Mr Singh received a warm and traditional welcome from the Sri Lankan side, reflecting the close and enduring ties between India and Sri Lanka. During his visit, the Defence Minister will hold talks with the Sri Lanka’s leadership on various issues to further strengthen bilateral ties in mutually beneficial areas, including a strong maritime and defence partnership. He is leading a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Colombo during the visit.

Earlier in his departure statement, Mr Singh said, he looked forward to a productive engagement with Sri Lankan leadership during his visit to the island nation. He described Sri Lanka as one of the important partners of India under the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision.