PM Modi reached Sri Lanka on a three -day visit … Defense, many agreements including energy will be discussed – PM Modi Reached Sri Lanka on a Three Day Visit NTC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Sri Lanka on a three -day visit on Friday. During this visit, many important agreements including defense, energy, digital infrastructure, health and trade are expected to be signed between India and Sri Lanka. This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka, ever since the Left National People’s Power (NPP), President Anura Kumara Disanayak has come to power.
PM Modi last visited Sri Lanka in 2019 and this island will be his fourth visit to the nation since 2015. In particular, the Prime Minister will be the first foreign leader to host Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka after taking over last September.
Sri Lanka tour after BIMSTEC conference
This visit of Prime Minister Modi is taking place after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. This is also the first visit of a foreign leader after the change of power in Sri Lanka. In December 2024, President Disanayake visited India as his first foreign trip, where the two countries issued a joint statement and agreed to increase cooperation in priority areas.
Prior to the visit, both Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayake expressed their desire to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations and increase cooperation in new areas in their message on social media platforms.
Signature of eight agreements possible
Eight agreements (MUS) are likely to be signed between the two countries during this visit. According to Indian officials, these agreements will promote cooperation in digitalization, health, defense and energy sectors. Sri Lanka is expected to sign a new system for cheap energy supply, especially.
Foreign Minister S. along with Prime Minister Modi Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt have also reached Sri Lanka.
Guard of Honor at Freedom Chowk
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will receive a guard of honor at Independence Square, Colombo. After this, formal talks with President Disanayake will be held at the President’s Secretariat. Underlining the importance of this visit, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in Sri Lanka told news agency PTI that India-Sri Lanka relations are at the strongest level ever. He said that this visit of Prime Minister Modi will take further joint statement released in December 2024 and will establish new dimensions of bilateral cooperation.
Jha indicated that the Defense Cooperation Pact could also be there during this visit. The agreement will formalize existing arrangements such as joint military exercises, training programs and supply of military equipment.
The main priority will be maritime security
The Indian High Commissioner also said that marine security will remain an important pillar of India-Sri Lanka defense partnership. He said that marine security is an important issue, and it has been well accepted that we are in the same area and our security is connected among ourselves. On this basis, we are advancing our cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s visit was made during the visit of President Disanayake during his visit to India and add new aspects to him in bilateral relations.
India and Sri Lanka are the closest neighbors, especially sea neighbors. Our relationship is historical, geographical and culturally very deep. Mutual relations between us are also very strong. He further said, “There is an understanding between the two countries that our future is shared.”
