Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka, saying India will always stand firmly with the island nation during times of crisis.
Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Colombo at the beginning of his maiden visit to Sri Lanka, Singh highlighted the deep cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries and said these connections provide a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations.
Singh emphasised the close relationship between India and Sri Lanka and assured the Indian community that India would continue to support its neighbouring country during challenging times.
He described the countries’ shared cultural and civilisational links as an important basis for expanding bilateral cooperation.
The interaction with the Indian diaspora also highlighted the community’s role in strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka.
Singh highlighted India’s economic transformation over the past decade, saying the country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
According to figures cited by the Defence Minister, India’s economy grew from around USD 2 trillion in 2014 to approximately USD 4 trillion over the following decade.
He also said India’s economy recorded 7.8% growth in the first quarter of FY 2026-27, despite global economic challenges.
Singh pointed to improvements in macroeconomic stability, stating that average inflation over the past 12 years was around 4.7%, compared with 10–11% during the earlier period.
The Defence Minister highlighted the rapid growth of India’s electronics and mobile phone manufacturing sectors.
According to figures presented by Singh:
- Electronic goods production increased from around Rs 1.9 lakh crore to more than Rs 11 lakh crore.
- Electronics exports rose by around 700% to more than Rs 3 lakh crore.
- India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, according to Singh.
- Mobile manufacturing units increased from two in 2014 to more than 300.
- Mobile phone production rose from around Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 5.5 lakh crore.
- Mobile phone exports increased nearly 163 times to Rs 2.6 lakh crore.
Singh also highlighted growth in automobile exports, which he said had risen from approximately Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 1.20 lakh crore annually.
Singh also highlighted the expansion of India’s defence manufacturing and export capabilities.
He said defence exports had increased from around Rs 600 crore 12 years ago to approximately Rs 39,000 crore, an all-time high.
India’s defence budget, according to Singh, increased from around Rs 2 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.25 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
He linked the growth to India’s expanding defence capabilities and the continued push towards a stronger and more self-reliant Aatmanirbhar defence sector.
Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with India’s growing global stature and said the world listens when India speaks on international issues.
He also highlighted India’s startup ecosystem, describing the country as having the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
The Defence Minister said the rise in startups and unicorns reflects the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s young population.
He also referred to reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and tax-relief measures aimed at reducing the burden on individual taxpayers.
Singh said India had concluded trade agreements with 38 countries over the past 12 years, including free trade agreements with eight major nations.
He referred to the India-European Union FTA as the “Mother of All Deals”, saying it would provide access to the large EU market and reflect India’s growing economic and diplomatic capabilities.
The Defence Minister also highlighted improvements in social welfare and poverty reduction.
According to Singh, around 25 crore Indians have been lifted out of poverty, while poverty levels have declined in both rural and urban areas.
He said social security coverage had expanded from around 25 crore beneficiaries in 2014 to approximately 95 crore people today.
Singh highlighted India’s expanding digital public infrastructure, including broadband connectivity and the rapid adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
He also pointed to improvements in highways, airports and transportation networks and said Indian Railways was progressing towards 100% electrification.
The Minister said the JAM network and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism have helped welfare benefits reach citizens directly.
According to the figures cited by Singh, Rs 51 lakh crore has been transferred into people’s bank accounts through DBT.
Singh praised the Indian diaspora for serving as an important bridge between the people of India and Sri Lanka.
The interaction was attended by Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, senior Indian civil and military officials and members of the Indian community.
India and Sri Lanka share longstanding cultural, civilisational and people-to-people ties. Singh’s message reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with its neighbouring country, particularly during periods of crisis.
His remarks also showcased India’s economic transformation, expanding manufacturing base, defence exports, digital infrastructure and social-welfare initiatives as part of the country’s broader development story.
