Opening gates of increasing cooperation, India and Sri Lanka work towards strengthening knots of security and defence

Colombo, April 8: Divided geographically, connected bilaterally; India and Sri Lanka move forward in expanding and strengthening relations to increase cooperation in security and defence spheres in several areas. Focussing on various aspects the areas the countries have agreed on include regional security, curbing drug smuggling and human trafficking and training of members of the security forces.

 

The issues were discussed when Indian Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s official residence in Colombo. The President thanked the Indian Government for the cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in security issues and for training provided to Sri Lankan security forces personnel. He also requested to increase the number of personnel trained by India. The Indian Defence Secretary agreed to look into the possibility of enhancing training facilities.

President Sirisena stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries to ensure regional security. They also exchanged views on issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation and regional security.

Indian Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando will continue discussions to on these issues to further strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. Secretary to the President, Udaya Seneviratne and Indian High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu were also present during this discussion.

India and Sri Lanka have always worked close knit when it comes to security and thereby have also worked towards the joint military exercise.