Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone. It strengthened the bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit occurred on April 4, 2025. It was the first time a foreign leader met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake since his election victory last year.
The Modi Sri Lanka visit was seen as a crucial step. It aimed to strengthen India’s relations with its southern neighbor. This was particularly important in the areas of defence and energy. The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including defence, energy, and economic collaboration.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
– Defence Cooperation Agreement: Modi and Dissanayake discussed a Defence Cooperation Agreement to enhance collaboration in areas like hydrography, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and humanitarian assistance.
– Energy Cooperation: The two leaders focused on energy cooperation, including the launch of an Indian-backed 120-megawatt solar power project in eastern Sri Lanka.
– Economic Collaboration: Discussions also covered economic collaboration, including plans for India to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka and develop a regional energy hub in Trincomalee.
Modi’s visit comes amid Sri Lanka’s delicate balancing act between India and China. China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditor, accounting for over half of its $14 billion bilateral debt. India has expressed concerns over China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka.
During his visit, Modi met with regional leaders. He held discussions with Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. Meetings were also held with Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. These meetings aimed to strengthen India’s relations with neighboring countries.
The visit has significant implications for the region, particularly in the areas of defence and energy. The Defence Cooperation Agreement is expected to enhance India’s strategic presence in the region. Energy cooperation projects will help Sri Lanka address its energy needs.
A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Dr. Mohan believes that Modi’s visit has strengthened India’s relations with Sri Lanka and enhanced its strategic presence in the region.
Also, a professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Professor Gunaratna notes that the Defence Cooperation Agreement is significant. It marks a step forward in enhancing India-Sri Lanka defence ties.
Despite the positive outcomes of the visit, there are challenges ahead. Sri Lanka’s delicate balancing act between India and China will require careful navigation to maintain its sovereignty and independence.
Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka has strengthened defence and energy ties between the two nations. This has significant implications for the region. The visit has also highlighted the complexities of regional dynamics. These complexities are particularly evident in the context of China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka. As India and Sri Lanka continue to deepen their relations, the region will watch closely. Observers are eager to understand the next steps in their bilateral cooperation.