Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together for the progress, welfare, and overall development of their respective nations. During the interaction, Singh extended warm greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Dissanayake. The leaders discussed key strategies to bolster security, safety, peace, and prosperity across the region. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, along with other senior delegation officials, attended the meeting. Sharing details of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the exchange as warm and highly productive. He conveyed Prime Minister Modi's best wishes and congratulated President Dissanayake on his government successfully completing two years in office. He further emphasized that as close neighbors, civilizationally linked partners, and maritime allies, India and Sri Lanka will continue to collaborate on bilateral development, public welfare, and regional security. Prior to his high-level dialogue with the Sri Lankan leadership, Singh interacted with the Indian diaspora in Colombo on Tuesday, highlighting their vital role as a bridge ("setu") between the two nations. Reaffirming India's steadfast support for its neighbor, Singh stated that India would always stand firmly by Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces any crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday for a three-day official visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation. He was warmly received at the airport by Sri Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and High Commissioner Santosh Jha. According to the Ministry of Defence, the official visit aims to consolidate the traditionally strong and friendly ties between the two countries. The Ministry underscored that India's ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian engagement reflects its "Neighborhood First" policy and Prime Minister Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Regions). The ministry also recalled India's prompt assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and its proactive response following Cyclone Ditwa in 2025.