Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour in Colombo on Saturday as he began his first official visit to Sri Lanka in his third term. The visit, laden with diplomatic significance, has marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially in the backdrop of China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region. During this high-level engagement, seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed across key areas such as defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade, reinforcing New Delhi’s strategic and developmental support to its southern maritime neighbour.
In a symbolic and deeply respectful gesture, PM Modi was honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana — a distinction bestowed on foreign nationals for exceptional contributions to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka. The award underlined PM Modi’s efforts in championing regional solidarity and spiritual-cultural bonds, especially through shared Buddhist heritage and people-to-people exchanges.
This visit is especially noteworthy as it marks PM Modi’s first trip to Sri Lanka since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in 2024. It also makes Modi the first foreign leader to visit the country since Dissanayake’s election, underscoring the priority India places on its neighbourhood-first policy.
Among the many issues addressed during the visit was the long-standing Katchatheevu dispute, a highly emotive issue for the people of Tamil Nadu. The 285-acre island has been a point of tension due to frequent arrests of Indian fishermen. PM Modi confirmed that Sri Lanka has agreed to the immediate release of Indian fishermen and the prompt return of their confiscated boats. “Both sides acknowledged the need for a humanitarian and sensitive approach in resolving fishing issues,” the Prime Minister stated, offering relief to thousands of fishing families affected by maritime tensions.
Standing beside President Dissanayake, PM Modi lauded the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, saying, “I am proud that Sri Lanka is on the path to recovery… India has stood firmly with Sri Lanka — during the COVID pandemic, the Easter terror attacks, and the devastating 2022 economic crisis.”
The two leaders discussed in depth Tamil aspirations and political inclusivity, with PM Modi urging Colombo to respect Tamil hopes and expedite the long-overdue provincial council elections. He also held an emotional meeting with the Tamil leadership, where he reaffirmed India’s commitment to justice, dignity, and equality for the Tamil people within a united Sri Lanka. He offered condolences on the passing of veteran Tamil leaders R. Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah, calling them “respected voices of peace and reconciliation.”
One of the major highlights of the visit was a new energy cooperation deal, including the announcement of a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee — a joint venture between India’s NTPC and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board. This project is part of a broader commitment to sustainable development and energy self-reliance in the island nation.
In the field of digital transformation, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy signed an agreement aimed at sharing scalable digital solutions that have proven successful in India — such as Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker — to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure.
In a major breakthrough in defence cooperation, India and Sri Lanka agreed to deepen security ties through joint maritime surveillance, coordinated military drills, and logistical support, signaling a strategic shift in the region. This marks the most robust military collaboration between the two nations since India’s peacekeeping operation in the 1980s.
India also reiterated its continued economic support to help Sri Lanka emerge from the shadow of its 2022 financial collapse. PM Modi announced that India had converted loans exceeding $100 million into grants, reduced interest rates on existing debt, and signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement aimed at easing the repayment burden on Sri Lanka. Additionally, India pledged LKR 2.4 billion for the development of the Eastern provinces — home to a large Tamil population — to promote inclusive growth.
At the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, PM Modi laid a wreath to honour the Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka during its civil conflict, a gesture filled with historical and emotional resonance.
PM Modi also met Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, expressing appreciation for his role in fostering India-Sri Lanka friendship. "Our cooperation enjoys bipartisan support in Sri Lanka, which is vital for the success of long-term projects and regional stability," the Prime Minister noted.
President Dissanayake, in return, thanked India for its timely and impactful assistance, especially in 2022 when India helped secure a crucial $2.9 billion bailout from the IMF by extending credit lines and essential supplies. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used against India’s security interests, a reassuring message in the context of China’s expanding maritime and strategic ambitions in the region.
As the visit progressed, virtual inaugurations of joint projects were held, reflecting the deepening of grassroots development cooperation. In a joint press statement, both leaders emphasized their vision for a “shared future” based on trust, mutual respect, and regional peace.
This visit by PM Modi has not only reaffirmed India’s role as Sri Lanka’s steadfast development partner but also sent a clear message about India's growing geopolitical assertiveness in South Asia — one that balances economic support, strategic engagement, and cultural diplomacy.
