NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday night, kicking off a significant two-day visit focused on strengthening Indo-Lankan ties through high-level talks and a series of strategic agreements. The visit follows his participation in the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, where he met key regional figures, including Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Mr. Modi’s presence in Sri Lanka, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, holds symbolic and political weight—it is the first official visit by a foreign leader since the left-leaning National People’s Power coalition assumed power last year. President Dissanayake had made his first overseas trip to India in December 2024, underscoring the mutual priority both nations place on their relationship.
In a joint media briefing on Saturday, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka’s stability and prosperity, calling the island nation an “integral part” of India’s Neighbourhood First approach and Vision Mahasagar. He cited India’s transformative model of inclusive development—‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’—and highlighted the recent conversion of over $100 million in loans to grants, along with a vital debt restructuring pact that includes lower interest rates to assist Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Touching upon crises from the 2019 Easter attacks to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent financial upheavals, Modi emphasised that India has always stood beside Sri Lanka during testing times. He welcomed progress on a key agreement enhancing defence cooperation, while noting both nations’ shared commitment to maritime security.
Addressing the long-running fishermen dispute, PM Modi stressed the need for a humanitarian solution and expressed hope that Sri Lanka would respect the aspirations of the Tamil community. President Dissanayake, for his part, appreciated India’s assistance on economic recovery, debt restructuring, and defence cooperation. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s assurance that its territory would not be used in any way detrimental to India’s security.
A key highlight of the visit was the conferring of the prestigious ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ honour on PM Modi, recognising his exceptional role in fortifying bilateral ties. Modi called it a matter of deep personal and national pride. The medal, adorned with symbols of friendship and shared heritage like the Dharma Chakra and Navaratnas, reflects the enduring cultural, spiritual, and diplomatic bond between the two nations. This becomes the 22nd international accolade given to PM Modi by a foreign country.
Modi’s engagements in Colombo included the inauguration of critical joint projects in energy and defence. Among these were the Sampur solar power initiative and agreements on transforming Trincomalee into a regional energy hub. A pact on India’s multi-sectoral grant support to Sri Lanka’s eastern provinces was also signed. Talks also covered digital cooperation, with a new MoU expected in the tech space.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the long-standing issue of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lankan waters was on the table. He expressed confidence that PM Modi would firmly raise the matter, echoing concerns raised in the Indian Parliament and by Tamil Nadu leaders like AIADMK’s Kovai Sathyan. Sathyan condemned the Sri Lankan practice of seizing and auctioning fishing boats, urging a swift and fair resolution.
As PM Modi held talks at the sea-facing Presidential Secretariat, a series of MoUs were signed, covering cooperation in sectors ranging from defence to digital innovation. The leaders also jointly announced two major documents—one to support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring and another to enhance currency cooperation.
Later in the day, PM Modi was scheduled to lay a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial—an emotionally significant gesture, given the historical complexities of India’s military presence in Sri Lanka. The visit, coming as Sri Lanka begins its slow recovery from economic turmoil, underscores India’s central role in the island nation’s path forward.
Modi’s arrival was met with an enthusiastic welcome by five Sri Lankan ministers at Bandaranaike Airport and members of the Indian-origin community at Taj Samudra, his place of stay. “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka,” the Prime Minister posted on X. The trip is expected to conclude with the announcement of around 10 key deliverables, pushing India-Sri Lanka relations into a new era of strategic convergence and regional cooperation.
