Colombo: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for further strengthening India–Sri Lanka cooperation to address emerging maritime security challenges and ensure a safe, secure and conducive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region. He emphasised that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and uninterrupted maritime trade are essential for the overall security, stability and prosperity of the region. Addressing an audience comprising Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, the Chiefs of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, and other senior officials during his visit to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence in Colombo on September 9, Rajnath Singh said India and Sri Lanka must work together to address maritime security challenges before they pose serious threats to developmental interests and the future of the region.
The Defence Minister underlined that national security and economic growth cannot be viewed in isolation, as both are closely linked to geography and security. He said neither India nor Sri Lanka could remain indifferent to developments in the region. While the two countries have strengthened their defence cooperation through various initiatives ranging from capacity building to joint military exercises, he stressed the need to further deepen their long-standing defence and strategic partnership with a special focus on maritime security. In view of the rapidly changing global and regional environment, Rajnath Singh called for the development and implementation of joint protocols to address emerging threats, along with greater emphasis on skill development and experience sharing. He said these efforts should become a continuous process and that new models of a stronger and more resilient maritime partnership should be developed. He noted that this approach forms the foundation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’ — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — with the words ‘mutual’ and ‘holistic’ highlighting the importance of coordination, cooperation and collective action.
Rajnath Singh said India and Sri Lanka are connected by the same ocean and that maritime security is not merely a theoretical concept but a reality that directly influences the trade, security and future of both nations. Describing Sri Lanka as India’s neighbour, long-standing friend and trusted partner, he said both countries occupy a central position in strategic discussions concerning maritime security in the region. Strong India–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, he added, would be mutually beneficial and essential for collective growth and security. The Defence Minister highlighted significant achievements in bilateral maritime cooperation, including maritime search and rescue operations that have helped save numerous lives. The two countries are also working together to combat drug trafficking, piracy and human trafficking. He emphasised the growing importance of cooperation under the Colombo Security Conclave, which focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and organised crime.
The establishment of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre through cooperation between India and Sri Lanka is a significant example of the two countries’ shared commitment to keeping the Indian Ocean Region safe, Rajnath Singh said. India remains ready to work closely with Sri Lanka in areas such as capacity building and joint military exercises, he added, noting that such cooperation would enable both sides to learn from each other’s experiences and further refine protocols for the effective implementation of joint initiatives. He also called for systematic coordination among relevant agencies, navies and coast guards of both countries to prevent illegal fishing, monitor suspicious vessels and counter drug trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other maritime security threats.
Referring to the challenges faced by fishermen of both countries, the Defence Minister said the issue must be addressed jointly. He called for expanding maritime cooperation beyond traditional security frameworks into areas such as fisheries, marine biotechnology, ocean science, marine environmental protection and management, and maritime tourism. He also proposed that India and Sri Lanka explore the possibility of establishing a joint maritime humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mechanism involving relevant agencies, enabling rapid and coordinated responses during natural and man-made disasters.
At a time when the Indian Ocean Region is witnessing profound strategic and economic changes, Rajnath Singh called upon India and Sri Lanka to coordinate their efforts, leverage their collective capabilities and address emerging challenges together. He noted that the ongoing transformation in the region presents not only challenges but also significant opportunities, and stressed that the two countries should make full use of their long-standing maritime partnership to convert these opportunities into shared growth. He said the future of India–Sri Lanka relations rests on the simple reality that geographical proximity creates interdependence and opens up wider opportunities for collective progress.
Describing India as a true ‘Vishwamitra’, or a trusted global friend, Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to playing a constructive and dependable role in the region. He emphasised that comprehensive maritime security and mutual prosperity are two sides of the same coin, expressing confidence that India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, can work together to safeguard peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and other senior officials were present at the event. Rajnath Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. He later paid floral tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla, honouring the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
