Rajnath Singh Calls for Stronger India-Sri Lanka Maritime Partnership to Secure Indian Ocean

COLOMBO, SEPTEMBER 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for stronger maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and uninterrupted maritime trade were essential for peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Addressing Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, the commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior officials at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo, Singh said India and Sri Lanka were well positioned to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability in the region.

“Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal for collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.

He noted that national security and economic growth were closely linked to geography and regional stability, and said neither India nor Sri Lanka could remain indifferent to developments in their shared neighbourhood.

Singh said the two countries had enhanced their defence capabilities through capacity-building initiatives and joint exercises, but stressed the need to further strengthen the partnership, particularly in the maritime domain.

“We need to devise and implement joint protocols, sharpen the skills and share experiences to deal with emerging threats arising from the rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics,” he said, emphasising that the process should remain continuous.

The Defence Minister called for developing new frameworks for a closer maritime partnership in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Describing Sri Lanka as a “friendly neighbour, longstanding friend and reliable partner”, Singh said both countries had a central role to play in strengthening maritime security in the region.

He highlighted cooperation in search and rescue operations, counter-narcotics efforts, anti-piracy operations and combating human trafficking. He also underlined the growing importance of the Colombo Security Conclave, which focuses on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cyber security and organised crime.

Singh cited the commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, established through bilateral cooperation, as an example of India and Sri Lanka’s commitment to safer waters in the Indian Ocean.

Looking ahead, he proposed that the two countries work towards an integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system capable of providing comprehensive maritime information in real time. Such a system, he said, could help tackle illegal fishing, suspicious vessels, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other maritime threats.

Singh also called for a mutually beneficial resolution to fisheries-related disputes and said maritime cooperation should extend beyond security to fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, environmental protection and maritime tourism.

He further proposed establishing a joint maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mechanism involving disaster management authorities, scientific organisations and other agencies to ensure faster responses to natural and man-made disasters.

“As a true Vishwa Mitra, India is committed to playing a constructive and dependable role in its shared neighbourhood,” Singh said, expressing confidence that India and Sri Lanka could jointly contribute to peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.

Earlier, Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence. He also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Battaramulla and paid homage to personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and other senior officials were present on the occasion.