India and Sri Lanka share a strong historical and civilization bond. In recent times, the relations between two countries have strengthened as Sri Lanka occupies a central place in India’s strategic calculus on account of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Security and growth for all in the region (S.A.G.A.R) vision.
The relations between two countries were further strengthened during the recent Indian visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. The Sri Lankan President met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 16, 2024, and the two leaders reaffirmed that the India-Sri Lanka bilateral partnership is underpinned by deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties, geographical proximity and the people-to-people relation. According to a joint statement, both leaders acknowledged that bilateral ties had deepened over the years and contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. Underscoring the potential for further cooperation, both leaders affirmed their commitment to progress the relationship between India and Sri Lanka to a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership for the well-being of the peoples of the two countries. It was significant that Disanayaka chose India as the first country to visit after assuming the post of Sri Lankan President.
The two nations adopted a forward-looking vision for their partnership, emphasizing investment-led growth and enhanced connectivity. Key pillars of their collaboration were identified, including physical, digital, and energy connectivity. Agreements were made to establish electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines between the two countries, accelerate the Sampur Solar Power Project, and supply LNG for Sri Lanka’s power plants. Both sides expressed their commitment to finalizing the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) to promote bilateral trade.
President Disanayaka thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s support in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy through unparalleled and multi-pronged assistance including emergency financing and forex support worth USD 4 billion. He acknowledged India’s crucial assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, including as co-chair of the Official Creditors’ Committee (OCC), as being instrumental in finalising the debt restructuring discussions in a timely manner. He further thanked the Government of India for extending financial assistance of USD 20.66 million to settle payments due from Sri Lanka for projects completed under existing Lines of Credit thereby significantly reducing the debt burden at a critical time. Underscoring the close and special ties with Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support to the country in times of need and in its quest for economic recovery and stability, and prosperity for its people. The leaders instructed officials to finalize discussions on the bilateral MoU on Debt Restructuring.
The visit further bolstered the security cooperation between the two countries. As natural partners, they acknowledged the common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to countering both traditional and non-traditional threats while ensuring a free, open, safe, and secure maritime environment. President Disanayaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s position of not allowing its territory to be used in ways that could harm India’s security or regional stability, highlighting the close maritime relationship between the two countries. President Disanayaka specifically thanked India for its support in providing a Dornier aircraft for maritime surveillance and establishing the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka, which have been instrumental in enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime domain awareness. He also appreciated India’s role as a reliable “first responder” in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening its defence and maritime security needs, pledging assistance to enhance Sri Lanka’s capabilities in addressing maritime challenges.
Acknowledging their shared maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean Region, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on strengthening regional maritime security both bilaterally and through existing regional frameworks. They welcomed the recent signing of the Founding Documents of the Colombo Security Conclave, based in Colombo, and India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving the Conclave’s objectives. India expressed its full support for Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing a robust action plan by IORA member states to ensure security and development across the region.
The leaders also reiterated their commitment to enhancing regional cooperation under the framework of BIMSTEC. Additionally, President Disanayaka sought Prime Minister Modi’s backing for Sri Lanka’s application for membership in BRICS. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2028-2029.
