In his virtual address to the India-Sri Lanka Defence Seminar cum Exhibition organised by the Indian High Commission in Colombo on 7 June, Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said that India is committed to help develop the capability building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Describing Sri Lanka as a priority partner, he informed that India would make modern technology available to the island nation to secure the common maritime neighbourhood.
Overview
In his address, Aramane cited “terrorism, piracy, drugs and arms trafficking, and illegal migration” as significant challenges for the littoral states of the Indian Ocean.
Emphasising the need to create a safer environment, the Indian Def Sec promised Sri Lankan authorities “enhanced and active collaboration” to face these challenges. Further, he connected India’s stance to PM Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as the underlying theme of India’s maritime policy.
The seminar and exhibition demonstrated the strength of the Indian defence manufacturing industry. Aramane told the audience that the Indian defence industry is at cusp of a “major revolution,” and the Indian government is committed to developing “a robust R&D and indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.”
Moreover, the Def Sec stated that, as a part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Indian defence sector will innovate and promote entrepreneurship for the mutual benefit of friendly countries. He also emphasised the need for knowledge sharing in the defence sector to help strengthen bilateral relations between the countries.
Thanks to Hon. Minister @PremiTennakoon for inaugurating the first exhibition-cum-seminar on #India-#SriLanka defence cooperation and sharing his thoughts on how joint R&D and strengthening of capabilities by joining hands with 🇮🇳 could pave for economic revival for #lka. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/PAZAltF2ef
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) June 8, 2023
Strategic Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka
The armies of both countries have collaborated across various strategic domains in the past. For instance, the Sri Lankan Fast Interceptor Crafts and the refit of a Floating Dock in Colombo have enhanced India’s maritime capabilities.
Further, India has consistently come to Sri Lanka’s rescue during its ongoing economic crisis. Earlier in January, India extended $3.9 billion in aid to help the island nation meet its immediate needs such as cooking gas, medicines, oil and food items. Last year, it also provided a credit line of $500 million to help Colombo overcome fuel shortages.
Sri Lanka remains India’s most important strategic and trading partner, considering both nations have maritime interests in the Indian Ocean. To consolidate these mutual interests, the Indian Ministry of Defence has extended a $150 million Defence Line of Credit to the Government of Sri Lanka, of which $100 million has already been utilised, to further promote defence cooperation between the two countries.