Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon on a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force, marking the start of a three‑day official visit that will run until September 10.
The visit is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries, with Singh scheduled to hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuiyakontha, among others.
Indian media reports indicate that discussions will also focus on the implementation of the Indo‑Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
This visit carries added significance as it marks the first official visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Sri Lanka in 38 years. (Newswire)