On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour in Sri Lanka, launching his first trip to the island nation during his third term. The visit is set to culminate in the signing of crucial agreements spanning defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade, against the backdrop of China’s growing clout in the Indian Ocean region.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit since Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office last year, following Dissanayake’s own trip to India in December—his inaugural state visit as president. The timing underscores India’s ongoing commitment to aiding Sri Lanka’s recovery from the devastating 2022 economic crisis.
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A key highlight of the visit is the anticipated agreement for a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee, a joint effort between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board, aimed at bolstering the nation’s energy capacity. Talks will also cover trade, defence, and maritime security, coinciding with Tamil Nadu’s recent push to reclaim Katchatheevu—a 285-acre island at the heart of a fishing rights dispute.
TOP POINTS
- During a prior visit, Sri Lanka’s leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who rose to power after a public uprising ousted the Rajapaksas, praised India’s “positive and impactful role” in supporting the nation through its debt crisis. He specifically credited India for facilitating a vital USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout in 2022.
- With Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean critical to India’s maritime interests, Dissanayake’s pledge last year—that Colombo would not allow its territory to jeopardize India’s security or regional stability—earned a warm response from New Delhi.
- A potential defence deal, expected to be finalized today, could redefine India-Sri Lanka ties, a significant shift since the Indian Peacekeeping Mission’s exit over 30 years ago. The pact would enhance collaboration through joint maritime surveillance, military drills, and equipment assistance.
Also read: Modi and Yunus Hold First Talks in Thailand Amid India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Strain - PM Modi’s schedule kicks off with a ceremonial welcome at 9:10 am, followed by a private meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart at 10:20 am. Delegation-level discussions are slated for 11 am, after which both leaders will sign agreements and Modi will virtually launch several projects.
- Later, PM Modi will attend an event at the Taj Samudra Hotel at the invitation of Sri Lankan officials. He’ll also visit the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial in the afternoon to lay a wreath, with President Dissanayake hosting a banquet in his honour at 7:30 pm.