Maritime security in focus, India and Sri Lanka explore agreement on defence cooperation [Video]

Recognising shared security interests and challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India and Sri Lanka on Monday agreed to advance defence collaboration with New Delhi reiterating its continued commitment to working closely with Colombo in advancing the island nation’s maritime security needs.

During his bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House on Monday, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its support through the provision of a Dornier Aircraft for maritime surveillance; and establishment of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka amongst other assistance vital for Sri Lanka to enhance its maritime domain awareness.

“He further appreciated India’s role as a ‘first responder’ for Sri Lanka in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Importantly, the recent success in collaboration efforts of Indian and Sri Lanka Navies in the seizing of vessels trafficking a large quantity of narcotics …