Colombo, April 6 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his “very productive” state visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday, marking a significant deepening of ties between the two nations. The visit, highlighted by high-level diplomatic engagements and the signing of key bilateral agreements, underscored growing cooperation in defence, energy, digitalisation, and regional security.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. A major outcome of the dialogue was the signing of a defence pact aimed at institutionalising military cooperation between the two neighbours. This agreement marks a decisive shift in defence relations, three decades after India withdrew its Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) from Sri Lanka.Modi emphasised that the security of India and Sri Lanka is “interlinked and interdependent,” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the people of the island nation. Echoing these sentiments, President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lankan territory would not be used in any way that undermines India's or the region's security.
Seven Key Agreements Inked
The two sides signed seven agreements spanning diverse sectors:- Defence cooperation pact
- Development of Trincomalee as an energy hub in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates
- Power grid connectivity
- Digital solutions sharing
- Multi-sectoral Indian grant assistance for Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province
- Debt restructuring deal to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery
- Inauguration of the Sampur Solar Power Plant and several other India-assisted infrastructure projects
Focus on Tamil Community and Regional Development
In discussions with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's expectations regarding the fulfilment of aspirations of the Tamil community, including the holding of long-pending provincial council elections. He also met Tamil leaders from the Northern and Eastern provinces and reaffirmed India’s “unwavering commitment” to ensuring a life of equality, dignity, and justice for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka.Honours and Cultural Diplomacy
In a significant gesture, Sri Lanka conferred its highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Prime Minister Modi for his pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations.Modi also engaged in several symbolic and cultural visits during his stay:
- Met Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, acknowledging his efforts to bolster bilateral ties
- Paid homage at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo
- Visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura
- Jointly inaugurated the Maho-Omanthai railway line upgrade with President Dissanayake
BIMSTEC and Regional Diplomacy
Modi’s arrival in Colombo followed his participation in the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, underlining India’s strategic focus on enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.Departure and Outlook
As he departed for India, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X:“A very productive State Visit to Sri Lanka concludes. PM @narendramodi emplanes for India.”
This landmark visit is set to redefine the India-Sri Lanka partnership, with tangible outcomes in security, energy, economy, and regional stability.
