Visiting Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, in Colombo, during his official visit to the island.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and the broader relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Singh and Premadasa also exchanged gifts as a gesture of goodwill, reflecting the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Singh is on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at further strengthening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation.

His visit includes high-level engagements with Sri Lankan political and defence leaders.

The Indian Defence Minister earlier held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Singh described his meeting with President Dissanayake as “warm and extremely productive” and said India and Sri Lanka, as “civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners,” would continue to work together for the development and welfare of their peoples, as well as for regional safety, security, peace and prosperity.

Singh’s visit is particularly significant as it is the first official visit to Sri Lanka by an Indian Defence Minister in 38 years and comes amid continued efforts to deepen defence, maritime and strategic cooperation between the two countries.