Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s go to to Sri Lanka (April 4–5) marked a pivotal second within the bilateral relations between the 2 international locations. He’s the primary international chief to go to Sri Lanka after the financial disaster and ever for the reason that new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assumed workplace in September 2024. PM Modi reiterated Sri Lanka’s particular place in India’s “Neighbourhood first” coverage and “Imaginative and prescient MAHASAGAR”. Dissanayake, who made his first abroad go to to India in December 2024, additionally underlined the significance of the rising relationship between the 2 neighbours.
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Throughout Sri Lanka’s financial disaster, India had offered a $4 billion monetary help package deal, which included credit score traces for important imports, corresponding to gas, medication, and meals. Additional, India was instrumental in facilitating Sri Lanka’s discussions with the Worldwide Financial Fund (IMF), securing monetary assist for the island nation. In acknowledgement of PM Modi’s excellent contributions to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering the shared cultural and non secular heritage, Sri Lanka awarded him the esteemed Mitra Vibhushana.
Within the realm of defence and safety, India has constantly offered strong assist to Sri Lanka. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic place and the rising affect of China within the Indo-Pacific, it performs an important position in regional maritime safety, and India considers the island nation a significant ally in defending its pursuits within the Indian Ocean Area. The 2 international locations have enhanced their collaboration in maritime surveillance, counter-piracy initiatives, and catastrophe reduction operations. India has additionally provided to assist Sri Lanka strengthen its naval capabilities.
India has additionally been offering assist to Sri Lanka in bolstering its counter-terrorism equipment, significantly after the 2019 Easter assaults. The latest MoU on Defence Cooperation will strengthen this partnership additional. President Dissanayake assured PM Modi that Sri Lanka wouldn’t permit its territory for use in a way inimical to India’s safety pursuits.
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Other than defence cooperation, PM Modi and President Dissanayake presided over the signing of a number of different MoUs aimed toward bolstering multi-faceted collaboration. They embody: The implementation of HVDC (high-voltage direct present) interconnection for the import and export of energy, cooperation in digital transformation and well being and medication, and likewise within the growth of Trincomalee as an power hub. India’s grant help will profit the event of the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, the Sacred Metropolis Complicated undertaking in Anuradhapura and the upgradation of the Maho–Omanthai Railway Line undertaking. PM Modi additionally introduced a complete capacity-building programme in India protecting 700 Sri Lankans yearly.
A cornerstone of the go to was the inauguration of a 120-megawatt solar energy plant in Trincomalee, which exemplifies Sri Lanka’s dedication to sustainable growth and a strategic shift in the direction of renewable power sources. Moreover, the 2 nations mentioned plans to enhance energy grid connectivity and examine new ferry routes between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar to strengthen regional connectivity and promote financial integration.
India continues to be Sri Lanka’s main buying and selling associate. In 2024, the bilateral commerce between the 2 international locations exceeded $5.5 billion. Each nations are actively engaged in efforts to decrease commerce boundaries and improve the alternate of products. Moreover, India stands as Sri Lanka’s major supply of imports, enjoying an important position within the island’s financial restoration.
New Delhi has invested in numerous infrastructure initiatives as properly, corresponding to housing for displaced Tamils and efforts to rehabilitate areas impacted by battle. Lately, India unveiled a assist package deal price roughly 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees to advertise social and financial development in Sri Lanka’s jap provinces.
India’s method to its relationship with Sri Lanka presents necessary insights for Bangladesh and Nepal as they navigate their intricate geopolitical environments. They recognise the dangers related to China’s debt traps and are intently monitoring the outcomes of Sri Lanka’s financial restoration, significantly in mild of India’s investments.
The author is affiliate professor, Centre for South Asian Research, Faculty of Worldwide Research, Jawaharlal Nehru College
