Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Describes Indian Community In Sri Lanka As Important Bridge Between The Two Countries

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described Indian community in Sri Lanka as a bridge between the two countries, saying they play a crucial role in strengthening friendship between the two nations. Mr Singh, who reached Colombo yesterday on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, made the remarks while interacting with members of the Indian diaspora.

The Defence Minister said that India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka in times of crisis, underlining that the relationship between the two countries is based on shared history, culture and faith. He said both nations share close cultural and civilisational ties, which have provided a strong foundation for the growth of the bilateral relationship.

In his address, Mr Singh highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation, saying the country is among the fastest-growing major economies in the world and contributes more than 16 per cent to global growth. Noting that India’s economy grew at 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2026-27 amid global economic challenges, Mr. Singh pointed out that India has concluded trade deals with 38 countries over the last 12 years, including Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with eight major nations.

Referring to the India-European Union FTA as the ‘Mother of All Deals’, he said the agreement opens access to the massive EU market and reflects India’s growing diplomatic and economic capabilities. Mr. Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the significant rise in India’s global credibility, saying that compared to 12 years ago, the world today listens when India speaks on the international stage.

Mr Singh, who is leading a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the ministries of defence and external affairs, was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Maj Gen (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara.