Colombo, Sept 9 (KNS): India is among the world's fastest-growing major economies and contributes more than 16 per cent to global economic growth, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, made the remarks while highlighting India's growing economic and diplomatic standing during his engagements in Colombo.

He also met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed bilateral relations, regional security, defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

In a post on X after the meeting, Singh said the discussions were "very fruitful" and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to Dissanayake. He also congratulated the Sri Lankan president on completing two years in office.

Singh said India and Sri Lanka had reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the development of both countries and the welfare of their people.

The Defence Minister said the two countries share deep historical, cultural and geographical ties and have also agreed to further strengthen cooperation for regional security, peace, safety and prosperity.

He said the India-Sri Lanka partnership in the Indian Ocean region was important not only for the two countries but also for the stability of the entire region.

Describing India as a close neighbour and maritime partner of Sri Lanka, Singh said New Delhi would continue to stand with Colombo in its journey of development and during difficult times.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Addressing the Indian community in Sri Lanka, Singh highlighted India's changing economic profile and said the country had strengthened its economic and diplomatic position globally over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Singh said India had concluded free trade agreements with 38 countries during this period, compared with four comprehensive trade agreements signed before 2014 during the UPA government's tenure.

He said the development reflected India's growing diplomatic and economic capabilities under the Modi government.

Singh also noted that the India-UK free trade agreement had come into effect.

He said India's economic growth, manufacturing expansion, exports and increasing global trade partnerships reflected the country's changing economic strength.

Singh emphasised that India-Sri Lanka ties extend beyond their status as neighbouring countries, encompassing strong historical, cultural, economic and maritime linkages.

He reiterated India's commitment to working with Sri Lanka for mutual development, people's welfare, regional peace and security, and said New Delhi would make every effort to further strengthen bilateral relations.(KNS)