Rajnath Singh: Strengthening Ties with Sri Lanka
During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the strong friendship between India and Sri Lanka. Speaking in Colombo, he reassured that India will support Sri Lanka during challenging times. This visit marks a significant moment as Rajnath is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit the island nation for defense discussions in nearly 40 years. The last visit of this kind was by K C Pant in 1988.
“We share a deep bond rooted in our history, culture, and values. India stands by Sri Lanka in all circumstances, and we are committed to fostering peace, prosperity, and development for both our nations,” Rajnath affirmed during his opening remarks, which included meeting members of the Indian community in Sri Lanka.
Rajnath expressed a feeling of belonging when he arrived in Sri Lanka and highlighted the importance of regional partnerships. He pointed out India’s growing influence and economic strength, while also commending the contributions of the Indian diaspora to both countries.
Before his journey to Colombo, Rajnath shared his anticipation on social media, stating, “I look forward to productive discussions with Sri Lankan leaders and engaging with the vibrant Indian community here. Sri Lanka is key to our ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiatives.”
While addressing the Indian community, Rajnath also talked about India’s rapid economic growth, noting that it is now one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, contributing over 16% to the world’s growth. He shared that India’s economy has doubled from $2 trillion in 2014 to around $4 trillion today, with a growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter of the Financial Year 2026-27. He highlighted improved macroeconomic stability, with average inflation around 4.7% over the past 12 years, compared to higher rates before.
Rajnath mentioned that India has signed trade agreements with 38 countries in the last 12 years, including significant free trade agreements with eight major nations, a notable increase from just four prior to 2014. He emphasized the importance of the India-EU free trade agreement, calling it the “Mother of All Deals,” as it opens doors to the vast EU market and illustrates India’s growing diplomatic and economic power.
He credited Prime Minister Modi for elevating India’s status on the global stage, stating that the world pays attention when India speaks today, a contrast to the situation 12 years ago. Rajnath also acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s role in connecting the two nations.
