Defence minister Rajnath conveyed greetings on behalf of PM Modi and underlined that the residents of the 2 international locations share deep friendship primarily based on sturdy historic and civilisational hyperlinks and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasised that as a closest pal and neighbour of Sri Lanka, “India thought of it not a favour, however a duty to offer help as the primary responder and would proceed to take action sooner or later as effectively”.Sri Lankan president Dissanayake mentioned his nation would by no means permit its territory for use for actions inimical to India’s safety pursuits. He additionally expressed his gratitude for the aid help supplied by India as a part of Op Sagar Bandhu throughout Cyclone Ditwah and the excellent rehabilitation bundle prolonged by New.Each leaders nearly inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian defence forces. The 2 sides additionally exchanged MoUs on upgradation of L70 weapons for the Sri Lankan Air Power, and cooperation between NCC and Nationwide Defence Faculties of each the international locations.Rajnath additionally met Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya. “We exchanged views on a spread of points associated to growth cooperation, schooling and shut cultural and civilisational ties,” he posted on X. He underlined that as “sister democracies with shared heritage”, India and Sri Lanka ought to proceed working in direction of a shared developmental imaginative and prescient for the peace and prosperity of the area. Rajnath additionally highlighted Sri Lanka’s significance in India’s Imaginative and prescient MAHASAGAR, saying the island nation holds a particular place within the coverage and would proceed to take action sooner or later.Rajnath known as for enhanced cooperation between India and Sri Lanka to form a beneficial and safe maritime setting and deal with rising maritime challenges earlier than they evolve into critical threats to developmental pursuits and brighter future. “Safe sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for worldwide legislation and unhindered maritime commerce are pivotal for collective safety & prosperity of the Indian Ocean Area (IOR),” the defence minister mentioned whereas addressing a gathering comprising Sri Lankan deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan three companies.Rajnath mentioned India and Sri Lanka are certain by the shared ocean, and maritime safety is just not a matter of summary concept however a actuality that shapes their commerce, safety and destinies. “Each nations are central to any strategic discourse on maritime safety within the area. Robust India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation might be mutually useful and important for collective progress and safety,” he mentioned.Referring to the challenges confronted by our fishermen, the defence minister underscored that the difficulty must be addressed collectively. He noticed that maritime cooperation ought to lengthen past the safety framework to additionally cowl areas like aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, safety and preservation of maritime setting and maritime tourism.
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He additionally prompt that the 2 international locations can discover the institution of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Help & Catastrophe Reduction (HADR) system involving related businesses for a coordinated and speedy response to pure calamities and man-made disasters.Rajnath additionally laid a wreath on the Indian Peace Maintaining Power (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla and paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice within the line of obligation.