PM Modi Receives Historic Tri-Services Welcome at Colombo's Independence Square

India and Sri Lanka Poised for Deeper Strategic Partnership with Defence, Energy, and Digital Cooperation​

Colombo, April 5 — In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rare tri-services ceremonial welcome at the iconic Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday — marking the first time a foreign leader has received such an honour at the venue.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally received Prime Minister Modi at the Independence Square, a symbolic location that hosts the nation’s Independence Day celebrations and houses the memorial commemorating Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948.

From Bangkok to Colombo: Strengthening Regional Ties​

Modi's arrival in Colombo on Friday evening followed his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok. The visit underscores India’s focus on strengthening regional ties, particularly with immediate neighbours under the “Neighbourhood First” policy.

"PM @narendramodi was welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo," shared Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, on social media. He added that the leaders are poised to begin "bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity."

Strategic Talks and Key Agreements on the Horizon​

Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake are currently engaged in delegation-level talks. The discussions are expected to result in around 10 major outcomes, with significant emphasis on defence and energy cooperation.

One of the key highlights will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, indicating a renewed trajectory in India-Sri Lanka defence ties. This development is seen as a pivotal step beyond the past complexities, especially the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) nearly 35 years ago.

Further, agreements are anticipated in sectors including energy collaboration, digital domain, and financial support mechanisms. Notably, India is set to facilitate Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring through specific documentation, along with a new currency swap arrangement to boost economic stability.

Aiding Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery​

Prime Minister Modi’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is gradually emerging from a severe economic crisis that began three years ago. During the crisis, India extended financial assistance worth USD 4.5 billion, making it one of the most substantial support efforts by New Delhi to any nation globally.

Describing the aid as "unprecedented," Indian High Commissioner to Colombo Santosh Jha remarked, "We are continuing to work with Sri Lanka in various areas, and that is much appreciated here."

Honouring Shared History and Future Commitments​

Modi is also scheduled to lay a wreath at the IPKF memorial in Colombo, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s.

Later in the day, the two leaders will inaugurate and dedicate several India-assisted development projects. They will also virtually launch the groundbreaking of the Sampur solar energy project, a key initiative in India’s green energy collaboration with Sri Lanka.

This visit marks a renewed chapter in bilateral ties — one rooted in shared history and aimed at a future of strategic cooperation and mutual prosperity.