Colombo, September 9, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger India-Sri Lanka cooperation to safeguard the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and uninterrupted maritime trade are essential for the region’s collective security and prosperity.
Addressing a gathering at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Wednesday, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, are well positioned to jointly address emerging security challenges and contribute to peace and stability across the Indian Ocean.
The gathering was attended by Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior defence officials.
Maritime security at the heart of regional prosperity
Singh underlined that maritime security is directly connected to economic development and national security.
He said the security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation cannot be viewed as abstract strategic concepts because they directly affect trade, economic growth and the future of countries across the Indian Ocean.
According to the Defence Minister, secure maritime routes, adherence to international law and unhindered maritime trade are essential for ensuring prosperity across the region.
He called for India and Sri Lanka to work together to shape a secure maritime environment and address emerging challenges before they develop into serious threats to the developmental interests of both countries.
Singh stressed that neither India nor Sri Lanka can afford to remain indifferent to developments taking place in the surrounding region.
India and Sri Lanka as close maritime partners
The Defence Minister described Sri Lanka as a friendly neighbour, longstanding friend and reliable partner for India.
He said the geographical proximity of the two countries creates a natural interdependence, particularly in the maritime domain.
India and Sri Lanka share the waters of the Indian Ocean, making their security interests closely connected.
Singh said both countries have already strengthened their capabilities through measures including capacity building and joint military exercises, but argued that there is scope for further expansion of the longstanding defence and strategic partnership.
He placed particular emphasis on maritime cooperation.
“India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, are well positioned to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.
New protocols needed for emerging threats
The Defence Minister called for the development of joint protocols, enhanced skills and greater sharing of operational experiences between the two countries.
He said cooperation must remain a continuous process because the nature of maritime threats is changing rapidly.
According to Singh, India and Sri Lanka need to develop new approaches for a closer and stronger maritime partnership.
He linked this approach to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Singh said the words “mutual” and “holistic” highlight the importance of synergy, cooperation and collaboration among regional partners.
Counter-narcotics and anti-piracy cooperation
The two countries have already made significant progress in maritime cooperation, particularly in search and rescue operations, which have helped save lives at sea.
Singh also highlighted bilateral cooperation in combating narcotics trafficking, piracy and human trafficking.
These challenges increasingly require countries to coordinate their maritime surveillance, law-enforcement and naval capabilities because criminal networks can operate across national maritime boundaries.
The Defence Minister said cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in these areas is particularly important given their shared maritime environment.
Colombo Security Conclave gains importance
Singh also highlighted the relevance of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a regional security grouping focused on issues including maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and organised crime.
He said India’s and Sri Lanka’s association with the mechanism has become even more relevant as maritime and non-traditional security threats continue to evolve.
The CSC provides a platform for regional countries to strengthen cooperation on common security challenges.
For India and Sri Lanka, greater coordination through such mechanisms could complement their bilateral defence and maritime engagement.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
The Defence Minister cited the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) established through cooperation between India and Sri Lanka as an example of what the two countries can achieve through practical maritime collaboration.
The centre is intended to strengthen coordination during emergencies at sea and improve the ability of authorities to respond to vessels and people requiring assistance.
Singh described the MRCC as an excellent example of the shared commitment of both countries to keeping Indian Ocean waters safe and secure.
He said India remains ready to assist Sri Lanka in strengthening such capabilities.
Joint exercises and capacity building
Singh also proposed greater cooperation in capacity building and joint exercises.
According to the Defence Minister, such activities can help both countries learn from each other’s operational experiences and improve their procedures for joint initiatives.
Regular exercises also provide an opportunity to test communication systems, refine coordination mechanisms and develop interoperability between participating forces.
India has traditionally provided training and capacity-building assistance to Sri Lanka, while the two countries have maintained regular military-to-military engagements.
The Defence Minister indicated that New Delhi is prepared to further expand such cooperation.
Towards an integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system
One of the most significant proposals in Singh’s address was the idea of developing a mutually beneficial and integrated Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system between India and Sri Lanka.
Such a system could enable the two countries to build a more comprehensive picture of activity across their surrounding waters in near real time.
Singh said the proposed cooperation would involve systematic interaction between relevant agencies, navies and coast guards of both countries.
The objective would be to identify and respond to multiple maritime threats, including:
- Illegal fishing
- Suspicious vessels
- Narcotics trafficking
- Smuggling
- Terrorism
- Other maritime security threats
Greater information sharing could allow authorities to identify suspicious activity earlier and coordinate responses more effectively.
Fishermen issues also require cooperation
The Defence Minister stressed that maritime cooperation cannot be restricted solely to military and security issues.
He specifically referred to challenges faced by fishermen, saying the issue needs to be addressed jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
Fishermen crossing maritime boundaries have periodically emerged as a sensitive issue between the two neighbours.
Singh’s remarks suggest that a broader maritime partnership should also address the livelihood and welfare concerns of coastal communities.
Beyond security: blue economy cooperation
Singh proposed expanding maritime cooperation into several civilian and economic areas.
These include:
- Aquaculture
- Marine biotechnology
- Ocean science
- Protection and preservation of the marine environment
- Maritime tourism
Such cooperation could contribute to the development of what is broadly described as the blue economy, allowing both countries to derive greater economic value from their maritime resources while protecting the marine environment.
The approach would broaden the India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership from a predominantly security-focused framework into one encompassing development, science, environmental protection and economic growth.
Joint humanitarian and disaster-response system
Another proposal put forward by the Defence Minister was the possible creation of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) system.
The system could bring together relevant agencies from both countries to facilitate a coordinated and rapid response to natural disasters and man-made emergencies at sea.
Given the vulnerability of Indian Ocean countries to cyclones, flooding and other natural disasters, stronger regional disaster-response mechanisms could help reduce casualties and speed up relief operations.
India has frequently highlighted its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean and neighbouring countries.
Singh reiterated that India is prepared to assist Sri Lanka whenever required.
Indian Ocean entering a period of transformation
The Defence Minister said the Indian Ocean is entering a period of significant strategic and economic transformation.
He described these changes as presenting both challenges and opportunities for India and Sri Lanka.
According to Singh, the two countries should leverage their existing maritime partnership to address emerging threats while converting new opportunities into shared economic growth.
He stressed the importance of combining the capabilities and experiences of both countries rather than addressing maritime challenges independently.
‘Vishwa Mitra’ approach
Singh described India as a true “Vishwa Mitra”, or trusted global friend, and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to playing a constructive and dependable role in its shared neighbourhood.
The statement reflects India’s broader approach of seeking deeper cooperation with neighbouring and regional countries through security partnerships, development assistance and capacity building.
Singh said India’s vision was based on mutual benefit rather than a one-sided security framework.
He argued that holistic maritime security and mutual prosperity are two sides of the same coin.
IPKF memorial visit
Before his engagements at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, Rajnath Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour upon arrival.
He also visited the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial at Battaramulla, where he laid a wreath and paid homage to Indian personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Sri Lanka.
The memorial visit added a solemn dimension to the Defence Minister’s official engagements.
It also recalled an important and difficult chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, when Indian troops served in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force.
A comprehensive maritime partnership
Singh’s address outlined a broad vision for India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation.
The focus extends from traditional defence activities such as joint exercises and capacity building to maritime surveillance, search and rescue, counter-narcotics, anti-piracy, disaster response, environmental protection and blue-economy initiatives.
The proposed integrated Maritime Domain Awareness framework could become particularly significant if implemented, potentially allowing both countries to coordinate information and responses across a wider maritime area.
At the same time, the proposed joint HADR mechanism could strengthen the ability of the two countries to respond rapidly when natural or man-made disasters strike.
Key takeaways
- India calls for secure sea lanes and freedom of navigation across the Indian Ocean.
- Rajnath Singh urges stronger India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation.
- Both countries encouraged to develop joint protocols for emerging maritime threats.
- Greater cooperation proposed in search and rescue, counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and anti-human trafficking operations.
- Integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system proposed.
- Fishermen-related challenges to be addressed jointly.
- Cooperation suggested in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science and maritime tourism.
- Possible joint maritime HADR mechanism proposed.
- India reiterates its role as a dependable “Vishwa Mitra” in the neighbourhood.
- Singh pays homage at the IPKF Memorial in Battaramulla.
The overarching message from Colombo is clear: India and Sri Lanka’s shared ocean creates shared security interests—and New Delhi wants that interdependence to evolve into a stronger, integrated maritime partnership capable of protecting sea lanes, responding to emerging threats and driving prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.