(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with a ceremonial guard in Sri Lanka as he commenced his inaugural visit to the island during his third term in office. The two nations formalized seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various fields including defense, energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and trade, responding to growing concerns over China's increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region. This marks PM Modi's first trip since Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed the presidency last year and is notable as the first visit by a foreign leader since Dissanayake took office in 2024. His visit follows Dissanayake's state visit to India in December, which was his first official trip since beginning his presidency.
During the trip, PM Modi advanced India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka's recovery from the economic crisis it faced in 2022. India previously extended USD 4 million to assist Sri Lanka during this crisis and has expressed its readiness to further aid the country in terms of debt restructuring and reducing loan interest rates. PM Modi also finalized a joint venture between India's National Thermal Power Corporation and Sri Lanka's Ceylon Electricity Board for a solar power facility in Trincomalee that will help meet the island's rising energy demands. Moreover, this visit occurs at a time when Tamil Nadu has passed a resolution for the return of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka, a sensitive matter for local fishermen due to ongoing disputes over fishing rights surrounding the 285-acre isle.
Substantial ground has been covered since President Dissanayake visited India, particularly in sectors like energy, solar power, technology and more. In our talks today, we discussed ways to add more momentum to linkages in security, trade, agriculture, housing, culture and other… pic.twitter.com/tPembAxu8B
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025
Highlighting the determination of the Sri Lankan populace, PM Modi, standing alongside President Dissanayake, remarked, "I take pride in Sri Lanka's journey towards recovery. We have consistently supported Sri Lanka, whether during the COVID pandemic, terror incidents, or the current economic challenges." Additionally, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology entered into an agreement with the Digital Economy Ministry to share effective digital solutions implemented on a large scale for transformative progress. Key agreements in the defense arena were also established, marking a significant advancement in India-Sri Lanka defense relations since the Indian Peacekeeping Mission's withdrawal over three decades ago. With these agreements, New Delhi and Colombo are expected to strengthen cooperation in joint maritime surveillance, military drills, and equipment provision.
The rains were no deterrent for a spectacular welcome by the Indian community in Colombo. I was deeply moved by their warmth and enthusiasm. Grateful to them! pic.twitter.com/O8YUP6Vjxw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
During his prior visit, Sri Lanka's new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude towards India for its "positive and impactful role" in assisting the nation as it grapples with a severe debt crisis, specifically noting India’s support in securing a vital USD 2.9 billion bailout from the IMF during the 2022 economic downturn. Given Sri Lanka's strategic position in the Indian Ocean, President Dissanayake's commitment that the country would not "allow its territory to be utilized in a manner harmful to India's security and regional stability" was well received by New Delhi last year.
At approximately 9:10 am, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed ceremoniously. After this grand reception, he engaged in a private meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart. Currently, discussions at the delegation level are in progress, which will be succeeded by a joint press briefing where the leaders of both nations will reveal important agreements made. Additionally, PM Modi is set to launch several virtual initiatives alongside Dissanayake. Later this evening, at the invitation of Sri Lankan officials, PM Modi will head to the Taj Samudra Hotel. In the afternoon, he will pay a visit to the memorial dedicated to the Indian Peace Keeping Force, where he will lay a wreath. At around 7:30 pm, President Dissanayake will host a banquet in celebration of PM Modi.
