MONETABRIEF – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and vising Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had discussed strengthening the existing defence, economic, maritime and regional partnerships.
Dissanayake briefed the Indian Defence Minister on the Sri Lanka's efforts to combat drugs as the Indian Ocean has become a hub for drug trafficking, the president's media office said.
Sri Lanka sought India;s support in its efforts to combat illicit drugs.
The President had also sought extradition of Sri Lankan drug traffickers currently serving prison sentences in India.
The Indian Defence Minister "particularly appreciated Sri Lanka’s contribution towards maintaining the Indian Ocean region as a peaceful zone free from conflict," the statement said.
Sri Lanka makes decisions taking into consideration both national and regional interests, and that, as a sovereign state, Sri Lanka enters into various agreements with countries around the world while remaining mindful of regional security, President had said.
The President had thanked India for the help after Cyclone Ditwa by the Indian military and expressed confidence that agreements signed during the visit would strengthen Sri Lanka armed forces.
Agreements were exchanged in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, marking an important step towards further expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Agreements to upgrade L70 guns of Sri Lanka Air Force, cooperation between India’s National Defence College and Sri Lanka’s National Defence College; and bilateral cooperation between the Sri Lanka Cadet Corps and the Indian Cadet Corps were signed during the visit. (Colombo/Aug09/2026)