India and Sri Lanka are set to strengthen their bilateral ties by signing a landmark defence cooperation agreement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025. This will be the first major agreement in the defence sector since the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka during the civil war between 1987 and 1990.
The agreement is expected to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries, with the Indian government providing defence platforms and assets to boost Sri Lanka’s military capabilities. Collaboration is also anticipated to intensify through joint exercises and maritime surveillance, especially in light of India’s concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, including the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation will be signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Discussions on the framework agreement began soon after Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to New Delhi in December 2024, marking his first foreign trip since assuming office.
While the two countries have had ongoing defence dialogues, including annual exchanges between defence secretaries, naval interactions, and bilateral exercises, the new agreement aims to expand the scope of these exchanges and promote closer military collaboration.
Economic cooperation will also be a focal point of the visit. India and Sri Lanka are expected to finalize agreements between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for debt restructuring and the extension of a currency swap arrangement. Additionally, a tripartite agreement between India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for developing the Trincomalee oil tank farm is likely to be announced.
A dozen other agreements are anticipated to be finalized, including an MoU for the interconnection of the power grids of India and Sri Lanka and a separate pact aimed at enhancing cooperation in digital public infrastructure.
India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis in 2022, amounting to $4.5 billion in aid, was highlighted by Foreign Secretary Misri as part of India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First Policy.” He emphasized that India has consistently been a reliable partner and first responder during crises in the region.
Another topic expected to be addressed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit is the recurring issue of Indian fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly trespassing maritime boundaries. Misri noted that Modi is likely to advocate for a humanitarian approach to resolving such matters during his discussions with President Dissanayake.
President Dissanayake’s decision to visit India as his first foreign trip after assuming office was seen as a significant gesture, given his party’s traditionally critical stance towards India. During that visit, Dissanayake assured Prime Minister Modi that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against Indian interests.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to further bolster cooperation between the two nations in areas such as defence, energy, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral relations moving forward.
SOURCE :- HINDUSTAN TIMES
