Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Sri Lanka on September 2 and 3 has been deferred due to “unavoidable circumstances”, the defence ministry informed on Friday. This was to be his maiden visit to the island nation in the current capacity as the trip aimed to intensify joint exercises of the armed forces on both sides and also to set in motion enhanced defence collaboration as New Delhi seeks to explore newer markets to sell indigenously produced warships, fighters and missile systems.
“Due to unavoidable circumstances, the visit of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Sri Lanka stands deferred to a later date. Shri Rajnath Singh remains committed to strong bilateral cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. He looks forward to visiting the island nation at the earliest possible time frame,” a statement by the Defence ministry read.
Due to unavoidable circumstances the visit of Hon’ble RM to Sri Lanka stands deferred to a later date. Shri @rajnathsingh remains committed to strong bilateral cooperation between India & Sri Lanka. RM looks forward to visiting the island nation at earliest possible time frame.
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) September 1, 2023
During his two-day trip, Singh was slated to meet Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also holds the defence portfolio, and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
“The entire gamut of India’s defence ties with Sri Lanka will be reviewed during the meetings. This visit of Shri Rajnath Singh will reiterate India’s continued commitment in furthering the existing warm and friendly relations with Sri Lanka. It will be an important landmark in building the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries,” the Ministry of Defence had informed earlier in the day.
INS ‘Delhi’ Arrives In Colombo
The announcement of postponement comes after the Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Delhi’ arrived at the port of Colombo ahead of the scheduled visit. The 163.2 metre-long Destroyer was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval tradition.
#INSDelhi, @indiannavy first indigenously designed & built guided missile destroyer, arrived at #Colombo today on a two-day visit that coincides with the visit by the Hon’ble #RakshaMantri Shri @rajnathsingh to Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/72qRxKGDKA
— Defence PRO Visakhapatnam (@PRO_Vizag) September 1, 2023
Manned by a crew of 450, the ship is commanded by Captain Abhishek Kumar, the Sri Lankan Navy said in a statement on Friday, as per news agency PTI.
The crew will stay in Sri Lanka for three days and take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy.
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