COLOMBO, Sept. 9 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held wide-ranging talks in Colombo on Wednesday (9), focusing on strengthening defence, maritime, economic and regional cooperation, as Sri Lanka sought India's support in combating drug trafficking and addressing issues affecting local fishermen.

The meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat during Singh's three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, which marks the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the country in 38 years.

President Dissanayake and Singh discussed ways to further deepen the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and India, with particular attention to regional security, maritime cooperation and bilateral ...