Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening India's strategic partnership with the island nation and expanding cooperation in defence and maritime security.

During the visit, Singh is expected to hold meetings with Sri Lanka's top political and defence leadership. The two countries are also set to sign three agreements covering areas including air defence cooperation and military training.

Before leaving for Colombo, Singh described Sri Lanka as an important partner under India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR initiatives. He said the two countries share not only a longstanding partnership but also deep historical, cultural and civilisational connections.

Three Agreements Expected During Visit

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the visit was expected to further strengthen bilateral ties across several sectors.

One of the proposed agreements will focus on air defence cooperation. The other two are expected to facilitate exchanges between the National Cadet Corps and National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka, including joint training programmes and instructor exchanges.

Herath also highlighted India's earlier supply of 24 L70 40mm air defence guns to the Sri Lanka Air Force between 2000 and 2006.

India has already provided maintenance assistance for 18 of these guns in recent years. Under the proposed arrangement, New Delhi will extend free maintenance support for the remaining six systems as well.

First Indian Defence Minister's Visit in 38 Years

Singh's trip is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Sri Lanka in nearly four decades.

He was welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

The Indian Defence Ministry said Singh received a traditional welcome, reflecting the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

The Defence Minister is accompanied by a senior-level delegation comprising officials from the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs. Discussions during the visit are expected to cover areas of mutual interest, with maritime and defence cooperation likely to remain central to the talks.

Rajnath Singh Addresses Indian Diaspora

Later in Colombo, Singh addressed members of the Indian diaspora and emphasised the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

He said the partnership between the two countries is rooted in shared history, culture and faith, adding that India remains committed to Sri Lanka's peace, development and prosperity.

Singh also reiterated India's support for its maritime neighbour and highlighted the importance of stronger regional cooperation.

INS Udaygiri Arrives in Colombo

Coinciding with the Defence Minister's visit, the Indian Navy's INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo Port on Tuesday.

The advanced indigenous stealth guided-missile frigate received a ceremonial welcome from the Sri Lanka Navy in keeping with naval traditions.

During the ship's visit, Sri Lankan naval personnel are expected to participate in onboard training, capability familiarisation and knowledge-sharing activities. The crew of INS Udaygiri will also take part in goodwill programmes and visit cultural and tourist locations in Sri Lanka.

The simultaneous defence engagements underline the growing strategic importance of India-Sri Lanka relations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, where maritime security and defence cooperation have emerged as key pillars of the bilateral partnership.