Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are essential for the collective security and economic prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Addressing a gathering at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Wednesday, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, were well positioned to work together to safeguard peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean.
The event was attended by Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force and senior government officials.
Singh said national security and economic growth were closely linked to geography and regional security, and neither India nor Sri Lanka could remain indifferent to developments in the surrounding region. He noted that the two countries had strengthened their defence capabilities through capacity-building initiatives and joint exercises, but said the longstanding bilateral defence partnership needed to be further enhanced, particularly in the maritime domain.
“We need to devise and implement joint protocols, sharpen skills and share experiences to deal with emerging threats arising from rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics,” Singh said, emphasising that such cooperation should be a continuous process.
He linked the strengthening of the maritime partnership to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, saying the concepts of mutuality and holistic cooperation underline the importance of synergy and collaboration.
Describing Sri Lanka as a friendly neighbour, longstanding friend and reliable partner, Singh said the two countries were central to any strategic discussion on maritime security in the region.
Focus on maritime security and rescue operations
The Defence Minister highlighted the progress made in bilateral maritime cooperation, particularly in search and rescue operations, which he said had helped save numerous lives at sea.
India and Sri Lanka are also cooperating in areas such as counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and combating human trafficking. Singh said their association through the Colombo Security Conclave, which focuses on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and organised crime, had become increasingly important.
He described the commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, established through cooperation between the two countries, as an example of their shared commitment to keeping Indian Ocean waters safe.
Singh said India was ready to assist Sri Lanka through capacity-building initiatives and joint exercises and help both sides learn from each other’s experiences and improve protocols for joint operations.
Push for integrated Maritime Domain Awareness
Singh proposed that India and Sri Lanka work towards developing a mutually beneficial and integrated Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system capable of providing comprehensive maritime information in real time.
Such a system, he said, would require systematic coordination among government agencies, navies and coast guards of both countries to tackle challenges including illegal fishing, tracking of suspicious vessels, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and terrorism.
He also called for joint efforts to address issues affecting fishermen and said maritime cooperation should extend beyond conventional security concerns.
Potential areas of expanded cooperation include aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, protection of the maritime environment and maritime tourism, he said.
Singh also suggested exploring the creation of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) system involving relevant agencies of the two countries to enable coordinated and rapid responses to natural and man-made disasters.
India committed to being a dependable regional partner
Singh said the Indian Ocean was entering a period of significant strategic and economic transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for India and Sri Lanka.
He urged the two countries to leverage their longstanding maritime partnership and collective capabilities to convert emerging opportunities into shared economic growth.
The Defence Minister said the future of India-Sri Lanka relations should be based on the understanding that geographical proximity creates interdependence and, in turn, opportunities for shared development.
Describing India as a “Vishwa Mitra”, or trusted global friend, Singh reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to playing a constructive and dependable role in its shared neighbourhood.
He said holistic maritime security and mutual prosperity were closely interconnected and expressed confidence that India and Sri Lanka could jointly contribute to safeguarding peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
During his visit, Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence. He also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla and paid tribute to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and other senior officials were also present.
