India, Sri Lanka, signs key defense agreements during PM Modi’s visit to Island Nation | India News
India and Sri Lanka will sign a major defense cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Narendra’s two-day visit to the island state. The agreement will aim to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. It also aims to resist China’s growing military influence in the region.
During the visit to PM Modi, India and Sri Lanka will sign eight memorandums of understanding (MOUS) that will include sectors such as health, digitalization, energy and defense.
One of them will focus on providing Sri Lanka with more affordable energy, an urgently needed support for the country’s ongoing economic challenges, IANS reported.
The PM’s visit will also include high-level discussions on restructuring Sri Lankan debt, improving bilateral connectivity and further cooperation in several areas. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to greatly promote diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On Friday, when he arrived in Colombo, the cabinet of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara dissanayake, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Labor Minister Anil Jayantha, attended his reception at Bandaranak International Airport.
Landed in Colombo. Thank you for welcoming my minister and VIP at the airport. Looking forward to Sri Lanka’s plans. pic.twitter.com/rym5q1vhzk– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
Despite the heavy rain, he was also warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora.
“The rainstorm has not hindered the spectacular welcome to the Indian community in Colombo. I was deeply moved by their enthusiasm and enthusiasm.”
For the spectacular welcome of the Colombo Indian community, the rainfall has not hindered. Their enthusiasm and enthusiasm deeply moved me. Thank them! pic.twitter.com/o8yup6vjxw– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
“Indian-Sri Lanka relations are deeply rooted in the connection of civilization, a common history, religion, culture and a strong connection between people. In the modern era, it has developed into an intimate economic, cultural, cultural and technological partner,” said Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka.
He added: “Sri Lanka is an integral part of our ‘neighborhood-first’ policy, and this relationship based on reciprocity and goodwill has been tested by time.”
The two-day visit to Sri Lanka comes after President Disnayaka’s visit to India in December last year. The two countries will also review progress on the joint vision of “Party for Promoting a Common Future.”
Prime Minister Modi also plans to meet with other U.S. political leaders before heading to Anuradhapura with Dissanayake to attend the opening ceremony of the development project for financial aid in India on Sunday.
In Anuradhapura, both leaders will pay tribute to Anuradhapura’s historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple Complex. During the discussion, the two leaders will also discuss all issues related to fishermen, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats.
(with IANS input)
