Strategic Defence Dialogue Between India and Sri Lanka in Delhi

New Delhi hosted a high‑level defence dialogue on Thursday, bringing together India’s defence secretary and Sri Lanka’s retired Air Vice Marshal and defence ministry secretary. The officials reviewed achievements under the bilateral defence cooperation framework and pledged to deepen collaboration in several sectors.

Key recent initiatives include India supplying two personal watercraft and related rescue equipment to the Sri Lankan Coast Guard, bolstering its coastal emergency response. In April, the "Arogya Mitr" programme saw the transfer of two "Bhisma" ambulances to Sri Lanka, continuing a pattern of humanitarian aid.

In parallel, a memorandum of understanding was signed by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan health secretary. The MoU secures a grant of 600 million Sri Lankan rupees for the modernization of Deniyaya Base Hospital, providing cutting‑edge medical equipment for the emergency department, operating theatres, high‑dependency units, and a specialized baby care unit. The grant will also support relocating the hospital to a climate‑resilient site, enhancing its disaster readiness. The dialogue reinforced the strategic importance of maritime security, health cooperation, and joint humanitarian assistance in the India‑Sri Lanka partnership.