India, Sri Lanka sign defence pacts to upgrade air defence guns, expand military training

New Delhi: India signed an agreement to upgrade air defence guns of the Sri Lankan Air Force and expand military exchanges and training during defence minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Colombo.

Singh also met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assured him that the country would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to Indian security interests, officials said.

The two leaders held substantive discussions on issues covering the entire spectrum of their multifaceted partnership and resolved to continue working together for the mutual welfare of their citizens, officials said. They also virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian armed forces in Sri Lanka.


India, which has provided naval assets to the neighbouring country in the past, will also upgrade its air defence guns under the new agreement.

"The two sides exchanged MoUs on upgradation of L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force. This will significantly strengthen the air defence architecture of critical assets in Sri Lanka," an official said.

An MoU on academic cooperation between the National Defence Colleges of the two countries was also signed. A third MoU was signed to formalise the National Cadet Corps youth exchange programme between India and Sri Lanka.

In his talks with Singh, Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation work.

Later, addressing the tri-service commanders of Sri Lanka, Singh said secure sea lanes and freedom of navigation are pivotal for the collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.

Singh said India and Sri Lanka had upgraded their capabilities through measures ranging from capacity building to joint exercises, but there was a need to further strengthen the defence and strategic partnership, with a special emphasis on maritime cooperation.