PM Modi Reaches Sri Lanka’s Presidential Secretariat for Delegation-Level Discussions with President Dissanayake
The two leaders are likely to finalize 10 ambitious deliverables, which are set to include a comprehensive defence cooperation agreement and structured frameworks aimed at strengthening collaboration in the energy domain. These outcomes are expected to serve as key pillars in advancing bilateral ties, reflecting a shared commitment to strategic convergence and mutual growth. The anticipated agreements will not only enhance military coordination and interoperability but also pave the way for long-term energy security and investment opportunities. By laying the groundwork for expanded partnerships in critical sectors, the leaders aim to elevate their countries’ relationship to a new level of strategic and economic alignment, promoting stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.
Prime Minister Modi Begins Crucial Visit to Sri Lanka Following BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on the night of Friday, April 4, 2025, commencing a strategically significant weekend trip centered on enhancing bilateral ties and formalizing a series of pivotal agreements between India and Sri Lanka.
The visit comes directly after PM Modi’s participation in the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit held in Thailand. While at the summit, Modi held wide-ranging talks with various regional leaders, including Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, where pressing regional issues and collaborative opportunities were explored.
PM Modi’s Colombo visit is made at the official request of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and it represents the first trip to the island nation by a foreign head of government since the dramatic political transformation that occurred there last year. That political shift saw the emergence of President Dissanayake and his left-leaning National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, marking a new era in Sri Lanka’s governance.
This weekend’s diplomatic outreach by the Indian Prime Minister is expected to further deepen India-Sri Lanka relations, particularly in areas of economic cooperation, security, infrastructure, and energy. Several high-level discussions and signing ceremonies have been scheduled during the short yet impactful visit, reflecting a renewed momentum in bilateral engagement.
It is worth noting that President Dissanayake had made his inaugural overseas visit to India in December 2024, just months after assuming office. That visit was regarded as symbolic of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy orientation under the new administration. During that trip, India and Sri Lanka jointly released a statement outlining the key areas of collaboration for the future, including trade, tourism, renewable energy, maritime security, and cultural exchange.
President Dissanayake has expressed deep appreciation for India’s continued support during a critical phase in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. “I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian Government for their invaluable assistance towards stabilizing and revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy,” President Dissanayake stated ahead of Modi’s arrival.
The sentiment is widely shared among Sri Lankan government circles, as India played a vital role in extending financial aid, facilitating debt restructuring talks, and contributing to critical supply chains during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.
During the current visit, the two countries are set to ink several key agreements that are likely to include a defence cooperation pact, infrastructure development projects, energy collaboration frameworks, and enhanced people-to-people exchange programs. These agreements are expected to serve as building blocks for a stronger strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region.
Officials from both sides have signaled that energy cooperation will be a central pillar of the discussions, particularly in renewable energy and cross-border energy trade. Sri Lanka, under the Dissanayake administration, has prioritized a green transition and is looking to attract regional partnerships in solar and wind energy. India, with its robust renewable energy sector, is poised to play a constructive role in this domain.
Defence and maritime security cooperation are also on the agenda, with both nations sharing concerns over the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean and the need for coordinated efforts against non-traditional threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing.
PM Modi’s itinerary in Colombo includes bilateral meetings with President Dissanayake, ceremonial receptions, interactions with members of the Sri Lankan cabinet, and public engagements symbolizing the long-standing civilizational ties between the two nations. Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people initiatives will also feature prominently, reflecting the shared heritage of Buddhism, history, and cross-cultural exchanges.
In addition to high-level diplomacy, the Indian delegation will explore opportunities for collaboration in digital public infrastructure and education technology—two areas where India has made significant advancements. Technology sharing and training programs could form part of the broader understanding aimed at capacity building and institutional support for Sri Lanka.
The timing of Modi’s visit—right after a crucial regional summit and during a period of domestic political recalibration in Sri Lanka—is significant. It sends a strong message about India’s commitment to regional solidarity and to working closely with new governments in neighboring countries regardless of ideological shifts. PM Modi’s diplomatic approach underscores India’s principle of “Neighbourhood First,” which prioritizes collaborative engagement with South Asian partners.
The visit is also expected to serve as a foundation for long-term initiatives, including connectivity projects through sea and air links, expansion of bilateral trade mechanisms, and increased investment in critical infrastructure. Analysts believe the outcomes of this visit could shape the trajectory of India-Sri Lanka relations for the next decade.
As PM Modi embarks on this important diplomatic mission, expectations are high that it will consolidate India’s standing as a reliable partner and underscore its role in fostering stability, prosperity, and cooperation in South Asia. For Sri Lanka, this visit offers an opportunity to reinvigorate its economy and enhance international partnerships at a crucial juncture.
With both nations looking toward a future of mutual growth and regional harmony, this visit is poised to be a landmark moment in the evolving relationship between India and Sri Lanka.