Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis, reaffirming the close ties between the two countries.
Singh made the remarks while addressing members of the Indian community in Colombo on September 8, at the start of his maiden visit to Sri Lanka as India’s Defence Minister.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, Singh said India and Sri Lanka share close cultural and civilisational ties, which have provided a strong foundation for the longstanding bilateral relationship.
He also highlighted India’s economic and defence transformation, saying the country is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and now contributes more than 16% of global economic growth.
Singh said India’s economy had grown from around US$2 trillion in 2014 to approximately US$4 trillion, while the country’s defence exports had increased from about Rs. 600 crore 12 years ago to an all-time high of approximately Rs. 39,000 crore.
He further said India’s defence budget had risen from around Rs. 2 lakh crore in the 2013-14 financial year to Rs. 7.25 lakh crore in 2025-26, reflecting its expanding defence capabilities and efforts towards greater self-reliance.
Singh also highlighted India’s growth in electronics and mobile-phone manufacturing, exports, infrastructure and digital public services.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with strengthening India’s position globally and described the Indian diaspora as an important bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, senior Indian civil and military officials and members of the Indian community attended the event.
