India and Sri Lanka took a big step forward in their friendship on Saturday by signing seven major agreements in key areas like defence, energy, digital technology, healthcare, and trade. These deals were made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka—his first since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in September last year.
President Dissanayake warmly welcomed PM Modi and assured him that Sri Lanka will never allow anything on its land that could harm India’s security. “We are committed to protecting regional peace and India’s interests,” he said.
PM Modi thanked President Dissanayake for his support and said, “India deeply appreciates Sri Lanka’s trust. The agreements we’ve signed today will strengthen defence cooperation and deepen our partnership.”
PM Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday for a three-day visit. He had detailed talks with the Sri Lankan President, with both leaders agreeing to work closely under their shared vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’.
India also promised to continue helping Sri Lanka in its journey of economic recovery and growth. As always, India stands by its neighbour in both good and tough times.
India & Sri Lanka Unite to Push Back Against China
Additionally, the partnership between India and Sri Lanka clearly signals a counter to China’s growing ambitions in the Indian subcontinent.
China’s aggressive forays into South Asia through debt diplomacy, military outreach, and large-scale infrastructure projects have alarmed many, particularly India, which sees Beijing’s activities as a direct threat to regional stability. Sri Lanka, too, has felt the pressure — especially as it grapples with an economic crisis while China tightens its grip on key assets in the island nation.
A case in point is China’s massive $3.2 billion oil refinery at Hambantota, being developed by Sinopec. This is not just an infrastructure project — it’s a strategic stronghold right on India’s maritime doorstep. Add to that the already-leased Hambantota Port and China’s expanding military outreach in the region, and it’s easy to see why alarm bells are ringing in New Delhi.
The recent comment by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Mohammed Yunus, urging China to increase arms supplies to Dhaka has only deepened India’s concerns. The message is clear: China is not slowing down its push for dominance in the region — militarily or economically.
In this backdrop, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of “full support” to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his government comes with more than just economic goodwill. It’s a strategic embrace — a partnership forged not just in aid, but in common interest.
The trilateral development of the Trincomalee oil tank farm — a project involving India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE — is emblematic of this growing alliance. Located in a region of immense strategic value, the project is more than just economic cooperation. It’s a geopolitical signal: Colombo is not willing to be a one-sided client of Beijing anymore.
India’s increased engagement with Sri Lanka comes at a critical moment. As the island nation seeks to rebuild its economy, it needs investments that don’t come with sovereignty-eroding strings attached — a concern that has loomed large with Chinese loans and projects in the past.
By offering support without domination, India is presenting a viable alternative — one that not only helps Sri Lanka recover but also safeguards the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean region.
Key Agreements Signed
- A project to link the power systems of both countries, allowing electricity to be shared.
- Cooperation in digital technology—India will help Sri Lanka use population-scale digital tools.
- A joint energy hub in Trincomalee with help from the UAE.
- Stronger defence ties between both countries.
- A development grant for Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
- Working together in the field of healthcare and medicine.
- Better cooperation on medicine quality standards between Indian and Sri Lankan agencies.
Major Projects Launched
- Upgraded railway tracks between Maho and Omanthai.
- A new train signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura line.
- A solar power project in Sampur (inaugurated virtually).
- A modern warehouse for storing farm produce in Dambulla.
- Solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious places across Sri Lanka.
Big Announcements by India
- Training programmes in India for 700 Sri Lankans every year.
- Support for renovating historic temples like Thirukoneswaram and Seetha Eliya.
- Sacred relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat to be brought to Sri Lanka for International Vesak Day 2025.
- Agreements to support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.
In a tweet, PM Modi said, “Key agreements have been signed between India and Sri Lanka which will add vigour to our friendship. Important projects were also inaugurated, which will benefit countless people of Sri Lanka. India will always support the people of Sri Lanka in their development journey.”
PM Modi Honoured in Sri Lanka
PM Modi also received Sri Lanka’s highest award for a foreign leader—the Mitra Vibhushana, a special honour that shows the strength of this close bond.
On Sunday, PM Modi will visit the sacred Jaya Shri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura and flag off a train at the local railway station. After finishing his visit to Sri Lanka, he will head to Tamil Nadu to inaugurate India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Rameswaram.
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