India considers it a responsibility, not a favour, to provide aid to Sri Lanka as first responder: Rajnath to president Dissanayake | India News
Defence minister Rajnath conveyed greetings on behalf of PM Modi and underlined that the citizens of the two countries share deep friendship based on strong historical and civilisational links and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasised that as a closest friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka, “India considered it not a favour, but a responsibility to provide assistance as the first responder and would continue to do so in the future as well”.Sri Lankan president Dissanayake said his country would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests. He also expressed his gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India as part of Op Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New.Both leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian defence forces. The two sides also exchanged MoUs on upgradation of L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, and cooperation between NCC and National Defence Colleges of both the countries.Rajnath also met Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya. “We exchanged views on a range of issues related to development cooperation, education and close cultural and civilisational ties,” he posted on X. He underlined that as “sister democracies with shared heritage”, India and Sri Lanka should continue working towards a shared developmental vision for the peace and prosperity of the region. Rajnath also highlighted Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, saying the island nation holds a special place in the policy and would continue to do so in the future.Rajnath called for enhanced cooperation between India and Sri Lanka to shape a favourable and secure maritime environment and tackle emerging maritime challenges before they evolve into serious threats to developmental interests and brighter future. “Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal for collective security & prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR),” the defence minister said while addressing a gathering comprising Sri Lankan deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan three services.Rajnath said India and Sri Lanka are bound by the shared ocean, and maritime security is not a matter of abstract theory but a reality that shapes their trade, security and destinies. “Both nations are central to any strategic discourse on maritime security in the region. Strong India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation will be mutually beneficial and vital for collective growth and security,” he said.Referring to the challenges faced by our fishermen, the defence minister underscored that the issue needs to be addressed together. He observed that maritime cooperation should extend beyond the security framework to also cover areas like aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, protection and preservation of maritime environment and maritime tourism.
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He also suggested that the two countries can explore the establishment of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) system involving relevant agencies for a coordinated and rapid response to natural calamities and man-made disasters.Rajnath also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla and paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
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