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Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured India on Wednesday (September 9) that the island nation would not allow its territory to be used against New Delhi’s security interests. The assurance came during talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Colombo. Three agreements covering defence cooperation between the two countries were also signed during the day.

The agreements include a Government of India grant for upgrading six L70 air-defence guns operated by the Sri Lankan Air Force. The guns had earlier been supplied by India. The Defence Ministry said the work would strengthen protection for key assets in Sri Lanka.

Defence agreements signed

“The two sides exchanged MoUs on upgrading L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Defence Colleges (NDC) of both countries,” the Indian defence ministry said in a statement.

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The development comes against the backdrop of India’s longstanding concerns over major infrastructure projects in neighbouring countries financed through Chinese state-run banks.

New Delhi has pointed to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port, which was placed under Chinese control through a 99-year lease in 2017 after Colombo was unable to repay the associated debts. About 15,000 acres surrounding the port were also transferred.

Dissanayake thanks India for aid

Singh arrived in Colombo on Tuesday (September 8) for a three-day official visit focused on the maritime and defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

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During Wednesday’s meeting, Dissanayake thanked India for assistance delivered through Operation Sagar Bandhu after Cyclone Ditwah. He also acknowledged New Delhi’s rehabilitation package for reconstruction work in different parts of the island.

The two leaders later virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges built by the Indian Defence Forces.

Focus on regional security

“As close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together for the development of our countries and the well-being of our people. Likewise, we have reaffirmed our resolve to work together for the security, safety, peace, and prosperity of our region,” Singh said as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

A separate MoU between the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka will promote knowledge sharing. The NCC agreement will formalise the youth exchange programme, under which cadets from multiple countries travel to New Delhi each year for NCC events.