Rajnath Singh became first Indian defence minister in nearly four decades to visit Sri Lanka for defence-level talks

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said in Colombo on Tuesday that “India and Sri Lanka are close friends and India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis.”Rajnath, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, has become the first Indian defence minister to arrive in the island nation for defence-level talks after nearly 40 years. The last time an Indian defence minister visited Sri Lanka for such talks was K C Pant, who visited the island nation in 1988.“The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is based on shared history, culture, and faith. We stand with Sri Lanka through thick and thin and are committed to the peace, prosperity, and development of both countries,” said Rajnath in Colombo as he began his maiden visit with an interaction with the Indian diaspora. He asserted that both nations share close cultural and civilisational ties which have provided a strong foundation for the growth of the bilateral relationship.“I am experiencing a sense of belonging after coming here,” he said while emphasising the importance of robust regional alliances. Rajnath highlighted India’s expanding global influence and economic strength, and appreciated the work done by the Indian diaspora.Before leaving for Colombo on Tuesday, Rajnath posted on X, “Looking forward to a productive engagement with the leadership of Sri Lanka during the visit. I shall also be interacting with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka. Besides our longstanding partnership as well as deep historical and civilisational ties, Sri Lanka is one of our most important partners under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiatives.”Addressing the diaspora, Rajnath highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation, stating that the country is among the fastest-growing major economies in the world and contributes more than 16% to global growth. He said that India’s economy, which stood at $2 trillion in 2014, has doubled to approximately $4 trillion over the last decade. He added that amid global economic challenges, the country’s economy grew at 7.8% in the first quarter of Financial Year (FY) 2026-27. He also underlined the improvement in macroeconomic stability, saying that average inflation over the last 12 years has been approx. 4.7%, compared to 10-11% during the earlier period.The minister pointed out that India has concluded trade deals with 38 countries over the last 12 years, including free trade agreements with eight major nations, compared to just four before 2014. Referring to the India-EU FTA as the ‘Mother of All Deals’, he said the agreement opens access to the massive EU market and reflects India’s growing diplomatic and economic capabilities.

Rajnath credited PM Modi for the significant rise in India’s global credibility and stature. He said that, compared to 12 years ago, the world today listens when India speaks on the international stage. He also commended the Indian diaspora for acting as a bridge between the people of the two countries.