India Will Remain a Reliable Defence Partner: Indian High Commissioner

26-Mar-2026

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India will continue to be a trusted and consistent partner in meeting Sri Lanka’s defence needs, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha stated.

Addressing the India–Sri Lanka Defence Seminar in Colombo, he highlighted the shared geography and longstanding strategic interests of both nations in maintaining regional security and stability.

He stressed the importance of close cooperation in defence, particularly in the current global environment marked by conflicts and uncertainty.

He noted that recent visits by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India have reinvigorated bilateral ties. The signing of a defence cooperation MoU has further institutionalised relations built over decades.

India has provided grant assistance worth approximately USD 40 million over the past three years to strengthen Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities.

India’s defence exports reached USD 2.76 billion last year, with nearly 50% exported to the United States. The country aims to increase exports to USD 5.5 billion by 2030. Currently, India exports missiles, armoured vehicles, and radar systems to over 100 countries.

Under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, India is emerging as a global hub for drone manufacturing and shipbuilding, with defence corridors established in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Sri Lanka has been invited to access advanced Indian technologies at competitive costs and integrate into regional supply chains.