During a visit to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between India and Sri Lanka to ensure maritime security and tackle emerging maritime challenges. The two nations also discussed joint protocols, capacity building, and initiatives in various maritime sectors.
On September 9, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called for enhanced cooperation between India and Sri Lanka to shape a favourable and secure maritime environment during his visit to the country’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo. Addressing senior officials and military commanders, he highlighted that national security and economic growth are interlinked with geography and regional security.
In his speech, Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of devising joint protocols, sharing experiences, and sharpening skills to deal with emerging maritime threats arising from global and regional dynamics. He pointed out that while both countries have upgraded their capabilities through various measures, there is a need for further strengthening the longstanding India-Sri Lanka defence partnership.
Rajnath Singh noted that India and Sri Lanka, as neighbours with shared oceans, must work together to ensure maritime security. He praised the progress achieved in bilateral maritime cooperation, particularly in Search & Rescue Operations, counter-narcotics, anti-piracy, and human trafficking.
The commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, a result of collaboration between the two countries, was lauded as an example of their shared commitment towards keeping the waters of the Indian Ocean safe. Rajnath Singh also envisioned a future where India and Sri Lanka collaborate on developing a mutually beneficial integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system.
Rajnath Singh suggested that maritime cooperation should extend beyond security to cover areas such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, preservation of the maritime environment, and maritime tourism. He also proposed exploring the establishment of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) system involving relevant agencies for coordinated responses to natural calamities and disasters.
Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that as the Indian Ocean undergoes strategic and economic transformation, India and Sri Lanka must synergize their efforts to address emerging challenges together.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
