India Sri Lanka Discuss Bilateral and Maritime Issues

India and Sri Lanka discuss maritime issues, bilateral matters and multilateral cooperation in Colombo, continuing efforts to strengthen maritime security and regional coordination.

India and Sri Lanka held discussions on maritime issues, bilateral matters and cooperation in multilateral forums during meetings in Colombo, as the two neighbouring countries continued their engagement on regional and international issues.

The discussions were held between Dr. Acquino Vimal, Additional Secretary for the United Nations Economic and Social (UNES) Division in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Tilani Silva, Legal Adviser at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said the officials exchanged views on maritime issues, bilateral matters and cooperation in multilateral forums.

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Maritime cooperation remains an important component of India-Sri Lanka relations given the countries’ shared interests in the Indian Ocean. In September, India and Sri Lanka also concluded the 13th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, which focused on improving operational coordination, interoperability and the exchange of professional expertise between their navies.

The exercise included coordinated maritime manoeuvres, air operations, replenishment at sea and Special Forces drills. The two countries have also continued cooperation in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, capacity building and addressing maritime security challenges.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his September visit to Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation and maritime cooperation for the stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. He called for stronger coordination between the two countries to address emerging maritime challenges.

The latest talks also covered cooperation through multilateral forums, reflecting the countries’ shared interest in regional and international cooperation. India and Sri Lanka have previously agreed to strengthen collaboration through platforms including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), BIMSTEC and the Colombo Security Conclave.

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Bilateral engagement between the two countries has expanded across defence, maritime security, development assistance, health, connectivity and economic cooperation. India has also continued supporting Sri Lanka through development and humanitarian assistance as the country works to strengthen its economic recovery.

The latest discussions provide another platform for India and Sri Lanka to address bilateral concerns and coordinate on maritime and multilateral issues, while continuing efforts to strengthen their broader partnership.