India, Sri Lanka Sign Three Defence Agreements to Deepen Security Partnership
India and Sri Lanka on Wednesday signed three defence-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a fresh step in strengthening military, training and strategic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The agreements were exchanged during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Colombo and his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The first agreement focuses on cooperation between the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka. It is intended to expand academic exchanges, knowledge sharing and professional cooperation in national security and strategic studies.
The second MoU establishes closer cooperation between the National Cadet Corps of the two countries. The arrangement will support youth exchanges, joint programmes and greater interaction between cadets from India and Sri Lanka.
The third agreement covers the upgrading and maintenance of six L70 air-defence guns operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force. India will provide the assistance under a Government of India grant, strengthening the operational readiness of the Sri Lankan air-defence system.
Sri Lanka had earlier received 24 L70 air-defence guns from India between 2000 and 2006. Maintenance support had already been provided for 18 of them, with the new arrangement covering the remaining six systems.
During his meeting with President Dissanayake, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka as a close neighbour and first responder during crises. The two sides also discussed broader defence, maritime and regional security cooperation.
President Dissanayake, meanwhile, assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted to be used for activities detrimental to India’s security interests. The assurance comes amid growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean region.
The agreements underline New Delhi and Colombo’s effort to build a broader security partnership covering defence equipment, military education, youth exchanges and regional security cooperation.
