Prime Minister Modi and the visiting Sri Lankan President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that the effective and timely implementation of agreed measures would deepen the bilateral ties between the two countries and transform the relationship into a new standard for friendly and neighbourly ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met for extensive discussions on December 15, 2024, in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in India-Sri Lanka relations. This meeting, President Dissanayake’s first official foreign trip since taking office in September 2024, underscored his commitment to deepening ties with India, especially as Sri Lanka seeks to rebuild after its economic crisis in 2022. The talks covered a range of areas including economic cooperation, regional security, and cultural exchanges, with both leaders pledging to advance their partnership to new heights.

Economic Support: A Lifeline in Crisis

Economic recovery and collaboration dominated the agenda, with Sri Lanka’s appreciation for India’s role during its economic crisis taking center stage. President Dissanayake expressed heartfelt gratitude for India’s aid package worth approximately USD 4 billion, which included credit lines and grants to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy. He acknowledged that this support was instrumental in providing essential goods and services to the people during the nation’s darkest hours.

“India’s assistance during our unprecedented economic crisis has been a lifeline,” Dissanayake stated. “We look forward to continued support from India as we work towards sustainable growth and economic stability.”

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery, highlighting a shared vision for investment-led growth. The leaders discussed expanding the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) and identifying new avenues for bilateral trade in agriculture, dairy, and textiles. Modi emphasized that strengthening economic ties would benefit both nations, saying, “India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s progress is unwavering, and we are looking towards a future of deeper economic cooperation.”

Regional Security and Defence Cooperation

As Indian Ocean security becomes increasingly complex, defence cooperation and maritime security emerged as key discussion points. President Dissanayake reassured India of Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional stability, stating, “Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used for activities that harm India’s security.”

In response, Modi highlighted the importance of mutual collaboration in addressing threats such as terrorism, piracy, and narcotics trafficking. The two leaders agreed to enhance joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen its maritime surveillance capabilities with India’s assistance—including Offshore Patrol Vessels and the establishment of a Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre—were acknowledged as significant achievements.

Building a Framework for Strategic Cooperation

The joint statement released post-meeting outlined a roadmap for bolstering the India-Sri Lanka partnership. Areas of focus included:

Infrastructure Development: Both nations agreed to expedite ongoing projects such as the Indian Housing Project and renewable energy initiatives, including the Islands Hybrid Renewable Energy Project.

Energy Security: Plans to implement the Sampur solar power project and explore offshore wind energy potential in the Palk Strait were discussed, with an emphasis on balancing development with environmental protection.

Agricultural Modernization: Recognizing the need for food security and self-sufficiency, a Joint Working Group will be established to promote sustainable farming practices and modernize Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Addressing Longstanding Challenges: The Fishermen Issue

The issue of fishermen crossing maritime boundaries—a persistent concern in bilateral relations—was also addressed. Both leaders emphasized the need for a “humane and durable solution” to protect the livelihoods of affected communities. “This is an issue that impacts both our nations, and we are determined to find an equitable solution through dialogue,” Dissanayake remarked.

The recent Joint Working Group meeting on fisheries in Colombo was hailed as a positive step toward resolving the issue. In addition, India’s ongoing projects to develop fisheries infrastructure in Sri Lanka, such as the Point Pedro Fishing Harbour, were recognized as vital for fostering sustainable practices.

Strengthening People-to-People Ties

Cultural and educational exchanges were also a prominent focus of the discussions. President Dissanayake expressed enthusiasm for promoting Sri Lanka’s heritage in India, while Modi highlighted the potential of the Ramayana and Buddhist Circuits to enhance tourism and cultural diplomacy.

Both nations agreed to expand student exchange programs and collaborate on research and technology initiatives to nurture closer ties between their younger generations. “The Ramayana and Buddhist Circuits offer immense opportunities to deepen our cultural ties and enhance tourism,” Modi said.

Moving Towards Sustainable Partnerships

The leaders concluded their talks by emphasizing the need to shift from debt-driven models to investment-led partnerships, a strategy aimed at ensuring Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience. India’s role in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process was acknowledged as a critical factor in stabilizing the island nation’s financial systems.

“Our partnership must evolve to focus on mutual investments and sustainable growth,” Dissanayake noted. “This approach will allow us to overcome challenges and build a future of shared prosperity.”

A Vision for the Future

The discussions between Modi and Dissanayake have set the stage for a new era of India-Sri Lanka relations, characterized by trust, mutual respect, and shared objectives. As both nations navigate complex regional dynamics, their commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing security, and promoting cultural ties underscores the strength of their partnership.

President Dissanayake’s invitation to Modi to visit Sri Lanka signals a continuation of this dialogue, promising further collaboration in the months to come. The leaders’ resolve to implement agreed measures highlights their shared vision of transforming bilateral ties into a model for friendly and neighborly relations in the region.

As Sri Lanka rebuilds and India continues to assert its role as a regional leader, the deep-rooted cultural, economic, and strategic bonds between the two countries are poised to strengthen further, ensuring a brighter future for both nations.