by Our Special Correspondent in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India and Sri Lanka will soon finalize a defence cooperation agreement, marking a significant step in the strategic partnership between the two nations. Speaking during a joint statement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized that both countries share interlinked security interests and are committed to fostering closer cooperation on hydrography.
Highlighting the importance of regional peace and security, PM Modi said that the Colombo Security Conclave is a vital platform for addressing shared challenges. He noted that under this framework, India and Sri Lanka will enhance collaboration on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, smuggling, organized crime, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
PM Modi remarked, “We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to conclude the defence cooperation agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. The Colombo Security Conclave will enhance cooperation in areas like maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, combating smuggling and organized crime, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
PM Modi also underlined the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, referring to the deep-rooted people-to-people connections. He recalled how the recognition of Pali as a “Classical Language” in India was warmly celebrated in Sri Lanka, further demonstrating the shared civilizational heritage.
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the talks. PM Modi announced that India and Sri Lanka have agreed to prioritize investment-led growth and connectivity, including initiatives in physical, digital, and energy sectors. Plans are underway to establish electricity grid connectivity, a multi-petroleum pipeline, and accelerate progress on the Sampur Solar Power Plant. India also committed to supplying LNG for Sri Lankan power plants and emphasized efforts to finalize the Ekta trade agreement to boost bilateral trade.
India has extended $5 billion in line of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka, which has benefited all 25 districts of the island nation. PM Modi highlighted that Indian-supported projects are aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities. As part of new initiatives, India will provide grants for the rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signaling system and the Kankesanthurai Port.
In the area of education, PM Modi announced a monthly scholarship program for 200 students from universities in the Jaffna and Eastern provinces starting next year. He also revealed plans to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants in India over the next five years. Further cooperation was outlined in sectors such as housing, renewable energy, agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and digital infrastructure. India will also contribute to Sri Lanka’s unique digital identity project, reflecting the growing technological collaboration between the two countries.
PM Modi welcomed President Dissanayake to India and expressed satisfaction that Sri Lanka’s leader chose New Delhi for his first foreign visit after assuming office in September. He described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations and emphasized that both nations are adopting a futuristic vision to strengthen their partnership.
