September 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and India have discussed strengthening bilateral defence ties, with particular attention to maritime security, emerging threats and disaster response, during a high-level meeting in Colombo.
A senior Indian defence delegation held talks with Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence yesterday, coinciding with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Sri Lanka.
The Indian delegation comprised Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff; Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff; Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Vice Chief of the Army Staff; along with officials representing the Indian High Commission.
The discussions covered a broad range of security matters, including developments in the regional security environment, maritime cooperation and the challenges emerging across the Indian Ocean region. The two sides also examined opportunities to enhance military training, institutional cooperation and capacity-building programmes.
Disaster preparedness and the ability of both countries to respond effectively to emergencies also featured in the talks, highlighting the wider role of defence cooperation beyond conventional security concerns.
Major General Jayasekara welcomed India’s continued assistance to Sri Lanka, with particular appreciation expressed for the support extended during the Cyclone Ditwah disaster.
He noted that India’s response during the emergency had demonstrated the depth of the relationship between the two neighbouring countries, while reinforcing their longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and mutual support.
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