PM Modi Arrives In Sri Lanka, Set To Ink First-Ever Defence Pact Amid China Concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday to a special welcome from Sri Lanka, where six top ministers braved the rain to receive him at the airport. His three-day visit aims to significantly boost bilateral defence ties and deepen cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity.

The Sri Lankan ministers who welcomed Modi at the airport included Vijitha Herath, Nalinda Jayatissa, Anil Jayantha, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Saroja Savithri Paulraj and Chrishantha Abeysena. 

PM Modi thanked the Sri Lankan ministers and stated, "Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka."

Modi is visiting Sri Lanka after attending the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit in Bangkok. In a statement released on Thursday before his departure, the Prime Minister said: “We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives.”

This joint vision was adopted during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s visit to New Delhi three months ago.

PM Modi To Ink First-Ever Defence Pact During 3-Day Visit

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the visit is expected to mark a historic step in India-Sri Lanka relations, with both sides set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation for the first time. “If signed, the MoU on defence cooperation is set to signal a major upward trajectory in India-Sri Lanka defence,” Misri said at a media briefing last week, adding that it would leave behind the “bitter chapter” of India’s withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) from Sri Lanka around 35 years ago.

While details of the pact are yet to be fully disclosed, it is anticipated to boost bilateral defence engagements in light of China’s growing military footprint in the Indian Ocean Region. The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port in August 2022 had sparked a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Colombo. Another Chinese warship docked at Colombo port in August 2023.

“Sri Lanka is an integral part of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the relationship, based on mutual trust and good will, has stood the test of time,” Misri said, noting that Modi’s visit comes at an opportune moment as the island nation recovers from a severe economic crisis.

India had extended financial assistance worth USD 4.5 billion to Sri Lanka during its economic turmoil three years ago. The two sides are also expected to finalise several bilateral agreements, including one on restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.

Modi and Dissanayaka are scheduled to dedicate several India-assisted projects in Colombo and will virtually launch the ground-breaking ceremony of the Sampur solar energy project. Misri described this as a milestone in bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister is also expected to raise the issue of fishermen during his talks with the Sri Lankan President. Additionally, Modi is slated to meet several political leaders during the visit.

On April 6, Modi and Dissanayaka will travel together to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where they will offer prayers at the Mahabodhi temple and jointly inaugurate two development projects funded by India.

This marks Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2015, and his first since 2019. He will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by Dissanayaka in his current role.

In a post on X, Modi said: “We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there. @anuradisanayake.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, President Dissanayaka said: “Following my successful discussions in India, we look forward to further strengthening our enduring partnership and exploring new opportunities for cooperation that benefit both nations.”

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