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IndiaPosted at: Mar 29 2025 12:12AM


PM Modi's Sri Lanka visit to see MoU on defence cooperation for first time

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is likely to see the inking of an agreement on defence cooperation between the two sides, that comes amid China’s growing economic and military footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.
An MoU on defence cooperation between the two sides will be signed for the first time.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a briefing: “We very much hope that the agreement can be concluded during this particular visit.”
On April 5, PM Modi and President Anura Kumar Dissanayake will together dedicate several projects being built with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka.
Both sides will also witness the exchange of several MOUs relating to energy connectivity, digitization, defense, health, and multi-sectoral grant assistance.
The two leaders will also witness the virtual groundbreaking of the Sampur Solar Energy Project.
“This is, in many senses, going to be a milestone in the bilateral partnership. The Prime Minister will meet with other political leaders in Sri Lanka during his stay in Colombo. And the President will also host a State Banquet in his honor,” the FS said.
On April 6, President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi will travel together to the historic city of Anuradhapura.
They will pay their respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple there. The temple holds a special significance in the India-Sri Lanka Civilizational Partnership because a sapling from the Bodhi Tree was brought by Theri Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka from India, and was planted there in the precincts of the temple.
During the visit to Anuradhapura, the two leaders will also inaugurate two India-assisted projects in Anuradhapura, and the Prime Minister will leave for home later that day.
“Sri Lanka is an integral part of our Neighborhood-First Policy, and the relationship, based as it is on mutual trust and goodwill, has stood the test of time. India has come to the assistance of Sri Lanka at critical moments, most recently during the unprecedented economic crisis that Sri Lanka faced in 2022. And India was glad to be able to play a key role in the economic stabilization and recovery of Sri Lanka, thereby demonstrating its commitment as a dependable neighbor to Sri Lanka, and indeed as a first responder to any crisis in the region,” the FS said.
“The visit is coming at an opportune moment for giving the two countries an opportunity to explore new areas of partnership and cooperation. You would also recall the Joint Statement that was adopted on the occasion of President Dissanayake’s visit in December 2024, where there was a commitment to explore the complementarities in the two economies for mutual benefit. And taking that forward, this visit too will focus on promoting investments and deepening connectivity, physical connectivity, digital connectivity, energy connectivity, and in various other domains,” he said.
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