Rajnath Singh visits Sri Lanka as India set to seal three major defence pacts after 38 Years

New Delhi: India and Sri Lanka’s longstanding partnership is rooted in a shared history, culture and mutual trust, the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, said as he reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to standing with Colombo through all circumstances. Addressing members of the Indian community in Colombo during his three-day visit, Singh said the two countries were “deep friends” and remained committed to peace, prosperity and development.

Singh’s remarks also offered a snapshot of India’s economic transformation, with the defence minister pointing to the country’s growth at a time when economies worldwide are facing challenges. He said India recorded 7.8 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, while its economy has doubled from around $2 trillion in 2014 and now contributes more than 16 per cent to global growth.

The defence minister highlighted the expansion of India’s electronics manufacturing sector as another example of the country’s changing economic profile. According to Singh, production of electronic goods has risen from ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014 to more than ₹11 lakh crore, while electronics exports have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, compared with ₹38,000 crore in 2014.

Singh said the expansion has also strengthened India’s position in mobile manufacturing, with the country now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. The remarks on manufacturing and economic growth came alongside his broader message of closer India-Sri Lanka ties and New Delhi’s continued support for its neighbour.

Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a visit scheduled from September 8 to 10, marking the first trip by an Indian defence minister to the country in 38 years. At Bandaranaike International Airport, he was received by Sri Lanka’s deputy minister of defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (retired), while the Indian high commissioner, Santosh Jha, was also present.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Singh is leading a high-level delegation including senior officials from his ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs. His programme includes meetings with the Sri Lankan president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake; prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya; and defence secretary, Sampath Thuyacontha; besides his interaction with the Indian community in Colombo.

The visit is expected to result in three agreements that will give a more structured shape to defence cooperation between the two neighbours. The Sri Lankan foreign affairs minister, Vijitha Herath, said the agreements will cover cooperation between the National Cadet Corps of India and Sri Lanka, collaboration between the two countries’ defence colleges and maintenance support for air-defence weapons supplied by India, Sri Lanka media reported.

The proposed maintenance arrangement involves 24 40mm L70 air-defence weapons that India supplied to the Sri Lanka Air Force between 2000 and 2006. Herath said India has already undertaken free maintenance of 18 systems, with the remaining six expected to be covered under the new arrangement.

The agreements will expand cooperation beyond equipment and operational requirements to areas such as military education, training and institutional exchanges. They are also expected to complement ongoing efforts by India and Sri Lanka to strengthen coordination on maritime security and regional stability.

That maritime focus was reflected in Colombo on Tuesday with the arrival of Indian Navy frigate INS Udaygiri. The warship made an official port call at Colombo and was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions. The naval engagement also strengthens military ties between the two countries. INS Udaygiri’s visit will include training, professional exchanges and goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy.

New Delhi has previously supported the island nation during its economic crisis and provided assistance as one of the first responders after Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.

Ahead of his departure, Singh said he was looking forward to a productive engagement with Sri Lanka’s leadership and described the country as an important partner under India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the Mahasagar vision.

The last Indian defence minister to visit Sri Lanka for defence talks was KC Pant in 1988. Singh’s visit therefore marks the revival of defence-ministerial engagement at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen their strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region.