Sri Lanka a close friend, India stands by it: Rajnath Singh

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said in Colombo Tuesday that India and Sri Lanka are close friends and India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis.Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, has become the first Indian defence minister to visit the island nation for defence-level talks after nearly 40 years. KC Pant was the defence minister to visit the island for such talks in 1988. "The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is based on shared history, culture, and faith. We stand with Sri Lanka through thick and thin and are committed to the peace, prosperity, and development of both countries," said Singh as he began his visit with an interaction with the Indian diaspora.Singh said both nations share close cultural and civilisational ties which have provided a strong foundation for the growth of bilateral relationship.