Rajnath Singh Begins Historic Visit To Sri Lanka, Reaffirms Strong Ties

Colombo: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's steadfast support for Sri Lanka in times of crisis and underlined the deep-rooted cultural and political bonds that have long united the two countries. Rajnath Singh assured Sri Lanka of India's unwavering support, saying, 'Whenever a crisis arises, India will stand with Sri Lanka.' Addressing members of the Indian community, Singh said India considers Sri Lanka a 'very close friend' and stated, 'Friends can change in life, but neighbours can never change. India understands this reality very well.' He said India's tradition has been to treat its neighbours like family members and expressed happiness at meeting members of the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka. 'I am experiencing a sense of belonging after coming here,' the Defence Minister said. He laid stress on the importance of robust regional alliances. Singh highlighted India's expanding global influence and economic strength. He appreciated the work done by the Indian diaspora and said India is a very old friend to Sri Lanka, and India will always stand with the country in case of crisis with its full strength. The Defence Minister stated that prior to 2014, the previous UPA government had concluded comprehensive trade agreements with just four nations. In contrast, the present government has successfully inked free trade agreements with 38 countries, including several major global economies. He noted that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is being described by the international community as the 'mother of all deals.' According to him, the pact provides access to a vast market estimated at around $27 trillion. Singh described the agreement as more than a mere trade arrangement, calling it a reflection of India's diplomatic and economic strength as well as the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also mentioned that the Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom has already come into force. Rajnath Singh arrived in Colombo on a three-day visit aimed at strengthening defence and maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the island nation in nearly four decades. Singh was warmly received at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha. He pointed to the country's progress in digital transformation and the remarkable growth in defence exports, which have risen from Rs 600 crore to Rs 39,000 crore over the past 12 years. The Defence Minister also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in reinforcing cultural, political and business ties between the two nations. Expressing a personal sense of belonging during his visit, he noted the diaspora's role as a bridge that continues to nurture the special relationship. The visit is an opportunity to further deepen the traditionally close partnership, with a particular focus on enhancing defence collaboration and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Singh's presence in Colombo is expected to give fresh impetus to ongoing bilateral engagements and reaffirm India's commitment as a reliable partner for Sri Lanka. The three-day visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to build on their shared interests and historical connections to address common challenges and explore new avenues of partnership in the defence and maritime domains. (IANS)