Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday for a three-day visit. This significant journey aims to solidify ties between India and Sri Lanka with the signing of crucial agreements in defense, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade. This visit marks PM Modi's debut trip to Sri Lanka since the National People's Power (NPP) alliance led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power.
PM Modi's last visit to Sri Lanka was in 2019, making this his fourth journey to the island nation since 2015. Notably, he becomes the first foreign leader to be hosted by President Dissanayake since his tenure began last September.
Visit follows the BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Modi's visit follows his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. It's the first visit by a foreign leader to Sri Lanka since the power shift. In December 2024, President Dissanayake made India his first foreign destination as president, where both nations agreed in a joint statement to enhance cooperation in prioritized sectors.
Before this trip, both Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake expressed, via social media platform X, their intentions to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations and explore new areas of cooperation.
Eight Agreements Likely to be Signed
Throughout this visit, both nations are likely to finalize eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). According to Indian officials, these agreements aim to bolster cooperation in digitalization, health, defense, and energy sectors. Notably, a new agreement is expected to ensure an affordable energy supply to Sri Lanka.
Accompanying Prime Minister Modi are Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, all present in Sri Lanka.
Guard of Honor at Independence Square
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will receive a Guard of Honor at Colombo's Independence Square. Following this, formal talks with President Dissanayake will occur at the Presidential Secretariat. Highlighting this visit's importance, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha informed PTI that India-Sri Lanka relations are at unprecedented strength. He added that Modi's visit furthers the comprehensive joint statement issued in December 2024, setting new dimensions for bilateral collaboration.
Jha hinted at the possibility of a Defense Cooperation Pact during the visit, potentially formalizing existing agreements such as joint military exercises, training programs, and supply of military equipment.
Maritime Security A Top Priority
The High Commissioner emphasized that maritime security remains a crucial pillar of India-Sri Lanka defense partnerships. He explained that maritime security is a significant concern, acknowledging that both nations reside in the same region with intertwined security dynamics. This visit by Prime Minister Modi aims to extend the agreements made during President Dissanayake's visit to India, further enhancing bilateral ties.
India and Sri Lanka share a close kinship, especially as maritime neighbors. The historical, geographical, and cultural bonds run deep, with strong people-to-people connections prevailing. He further remarked, "Both nations understand that our futures are interlinked."
