India, Sept. 8 -- By Sahil Pandey

Colombo [Sri Lanka], September 8 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday assured Sri Lanka of India's unwavering support, saying that New Delhi will always stand with Colombo whenever the island nation faces a crisis, while underlining the deep-rooted and civilisational ties between the two countries.

Addressing a community reception organised for him in Colombo during his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Singh said India considers Sri Lanka a "very close friend" and emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries.

"India considers Sri Lanka a very close friend. India understands this reality very well - that in life, everything can change, but neighbours can...