(Commonwealth_ Sri Lanka’s Indian arm manufacturing firms showcased their capabilities in arm manufacturing to the Sri Lankan military during a seminar organized by the Indian High Commission in Colombo. The seminar, titled “Identifying New Opportunities and Forging New Bonds,” aimed to promote Indian-made defense equipment and explore avenues for collaboration in defense production.
Several privately owned Indian defense companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Zen Technologies, SSS Defence, Bharat Forge, Big Bang Boom Solutions, AWEL, AVNL, Mahindra Defence, Sager Defence, and TATA Advanced Systems Ltd, participated in the seminar. They demonstrated their manufacturing capabilities, showcasing products such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and earth movers used in war zones.
Representatives from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, as well as senior officers from the Police and Special Task Force, attended the event. Additionally, representatives from leading Sri Lankan business conglomerates were present.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, emphasized the increasing diversification of India-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defense matters. He highlighted the interconnectedness of India and Sri Lanka’s security due to their geographical proximity.
The seminar provided a platform for India to showcase its growing defense capabilities, with defense exports reaching nearly 2.6 billion US Dollars, representing a ten-fold increase over the past five years. High Commissioner Jha reiterated India’s commitment to extending its defense capabilities to Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of bilateral collaboration in the defense sector.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s utilization of Indian defense equipment, it was noted that Sri Lanka’s armed forces have successfully operated various Indian defense equipment, including L-70 guns, Indra Radar, Offshore Patrol Vessels, and Army training simulators. Furthermore, the Government of India has committed to supplying additional equipment, such as Floating Docks, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers, and Dornier aircraft, to enhance the capacity of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Anurag Bajpai, the Additional Secretary (Defense Production) of the Indian Defense Ministry, reiterated India’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. His reaffirmation aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overarching vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which emphasizes fostering security and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
Bajpai underscored the significance of bolstered collaboration between India and Sri Lanka as a means to tackle shared security challenges effectively. By pooling their resources and expertise, both nations can address emerging threats and promote stability in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
The seminar not only showcased current defense capabilities but also emphasized the promising prospects for future joint collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in various sectors. State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon articulated the optimistic outlook for such collaboration, envisioning it as a means to identify new avenues for economic growth while simultaneously bolstering the capacity of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
This forward-looking approach underscores the potential for synergy between the two nations in manufacturing, services, and research and development. By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, India and Sri Lanka can tap into unexplored opportunities, fostering innovation and driving economic revitalization.
Moreover, the seminar served as a pivotal platform for India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defense cooperation. Through dialogue and collaboration, both countries can enhance their strategic partnership and address shared security challenges effectively. By exploring opportunities for joint initiatives and resource sharing, they can contribute to greater stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
