Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, reaffirming bilateral ties. The visit, the first by an Indian Defence Minister in nearly 40 years, marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the neighbours.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. Sharing details of the engagement in a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Today, in Colombo, I held a highly productive meeting with His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. I shared with him the greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and extended our congratulations on the completion of two years of his government. As civilized twins, close neighbors, and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed our commitment to continue working together for the development of our countries and the well-being of our people. Likewise, we have reaffirmed our resolve to work together for the security, safety, peace, and prosperity of our region."
A Landmark Diplomatic Visit
Marking a significant diplomatic milestone, the visit makes Singh the first Indian Defence Minister to travel to the island nation for official defence-level discussions in nearly forty years, succeeding KC Pant's ministerial visit in 1988. Prior to his arrival, Singh shared a message on X stating, "Besides our longstanding partnership as well as deep historical and civilisational ties, Sri Lanka is one of our most important partners under the 'Neighbourhood First' and 'MAHASAGAR' initiatives."
Reaffirming Strong Bilateral Bonds
Opening his itinerary by engaging with the local Indian diaspora in Colombo, the Defence Minister assured that New Delhi and Colombo share the bond of close friends, affirming that India will consistently maintain a steadfast stance alongside the island nation during any crisis.
"The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is based on shared history, culture, and faith. We stand with Sri Lanka through thick and thin and are committed to the peace, prosperity, and development of both countries," Singh stated, adding that shared cultural and civilisational connections furnish a robust bedrock for growing bilateral relations as he experienced a sense of belonging after coming there.
India's Economic Prowess Highlighted
Addressing the community gathering, Singh accentuated India's accelerated economic shift, pointing out that the nation ranks among the top fast-developing major economies globally while supplying over 16 per cent of worldwide economic expansion. Delivering specific metrics, he stated that India's national economy rose from USD 2 trillion in 2014 to roughly USD 4 trillion across the preceding decade, sustaining momentum amidst worldwide headwinds by expanding at 7.8 per cent during the initial quarter of financial year 2026-27.
Furthermore, the minister spotlighted enhanced macroeconomic stability, noting that average inflation across the prior twelve years remained steady near 4.7 per cent, contrasting with the 10 to 11 per cent range recorded previously. Detailing trade expansion and international economic engagement during his address, Singh noted that New Delhi has finalised trade agreements with 38 nations across the past twelve years, incorporating free trade accords with eight major countries, versus merely four prior to 2014. Designating the India-European Union pact as the 'Mother of all deals', he explained that the arrangement unlocks entry to the vast European market while showcasing India's escalating diplomatic and economic prowess. (ANI)
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