Colombo, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India and Sri Lanka are well-positioned to work as close partners to ensure peace, security, and stability in the Indian Ocean region. Speaking in Colombo, he highlighted that the ports of both nations could serve as engines for shared economic development. He emphasized that the maritime industry could significantly enhance the future prosperity of both countries and the wider region.
During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Singh addressed the need to resolve disputes among fishermen from both nations. He acknowledged the challenges faced by these fishermen and stressed the importance of collaboratively finding mutually beneficial solutions while considering relevant laws and territorial jurisdictions.
“We must work together to strengthen our arrangements to prevent fishing-related disputes and handle them with utmost care and sensitivity, as it concerns livelihoods. It is also essential to ensure effective compliance with maritime laws,” Singh remarked.
His comments came during the ‘India-Sri Lanka Maritime Security and Cooperation Program’ held in Colombo. Earlier, Singh visited the Indian Peacekeeping Force Memorial in Colombo, paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives. He expressed that the nation would never forget their supreme sacrifice, which continues to inspire future generations.
At the event, Singh articulated that the spirit of interdependence shapes India’s perspective towards Sri Lanka, portraying India as a true global friend committed to playing a constructive and reliable role in the shared neighborhood. He noted that comprehensive maritime security and mutual prosperity for both nations are two sides of the same coin, achievable only through cooperation, trust, and shared commitment.
Singh expressed India’s willingness to share its experiences with Sri Lanka and collaborate for continued growth and prosperity in the region. He affirmed that India’s development projects in Sri Lanka have always been focused on the needs of the local population and the priorities of the Sri Lankan government.
“Our ports can be engines for shared economic development, while our maritime industries can serve as vehicles for the future prosperity of our entire region. Therefore, the future of India-Sri Lanka relations should be based on the simple premise that geographical proximity creates interdependence, which in turn provides immense opportunities for shared development,” he stated. Singh also noted that the Indian Ocean is entering a phase of profound strategic and economic shifts, necessitating increased coordination between India and Sri Lanka to address emerging challenges with their collective capabilities.
He proposed the establishment of a joint maritime humanitarian assistance and disaster relief framework to ensure rapid support during natural and man-made disasters, involving all relevant agencies, disaster management institutions, and scientific organizations.
Singh concluded that the Indian Ocean is not merely a waterway; it is a platform where the region’s economic and strategic future will be shaped. For maritime nations like India and Sri Lanka, this is not a theoretical issue but a daily reality impacting trade, security, and future prospects.
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