Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Sri Lanka Assures India on Territory as Defence Ties Deepen
Sri Lanka’s president met India’s defence minister to discuss security and cooperation.
He promised that Sri Lankan territory would not be used to harm India’s security.
India and Sri Lanka signed agreements involving military equipment and training institutions.
India will help pay to upgrade L70 guns used by Sri Lanka’s Air Force.
The project is intended to improve Sri Lanka’s air defence.
The two countries also discussed keeping nearby seas safe for ships and trade.
Sri Lanka thanked India for help after Cyclone Ditwah.
The leaders said they wanted both countries to develop together and keep the region peaceful.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against Indian security interests.
India and Sri Lanka signed agreements to upgrade L70 guns and expand defence education and cadet cooperation.
The upgrade project will be funded through an Indian government grant to strengthen Sri Lanka’s air defence.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for closer maritime cooperation over sea lanes, navigation and regional security.
Singh’s three-day visit was the first by an Indian defence minister to Sri Lanka in 38 years.
- Who
- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
- What
- India and Sri Lanka strengthened defence, maritime-security and development cooperation, including agreements on L70 guns and defence institutions.
- When
- The meetings and agreements took place during Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit, including a meeting on Wednesday.
- Where
- Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The countries cited shared security, development and regional maritime challenges, amid concerns about China’s expanding footprint in Sri Lanka and surrounding waters.
- Sri Lankan assurance
- Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests.
- Indian visit
- Rajnath Singh’s three-day trip was the first visit by an Indian defence minister to Sri Lanka in 38 years.
- Defence agreement
- The countries agreed to upgrade L70 guns previously provided to the Sri Lankan Air Force.
- Funding
- The L70 upgrade project will be funded through an Indian government grant.
- Cooperation areas
- India and Sri Lanka agreed to cooperate between their National Cadet Corps and National Defence Colleges.
- Maritime priorities
- Rajnath Singh highlighted secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, international law and unhindered maritime trade.
- Disaster assistance
- Dissanayake thanked India for assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and for a rehabilitation package.