Historic Welcome for PM Modi in Sri Lanka; 10 Key Pacts Including Defence, Energy on the Agenda

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In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square on Saturday, marking the beginning of his three-day visit to Sri Lanka. This is the first time the island nation has hosted a foreign dignitary with such honours at the iconic venue, and PM Modi is also the first global leader to be formally received by newly-elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

PM Modi landed in Colombo on Friday evening, where he was greeted at Bandaranaike International Airport by five senior Sri Lankan ministers including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The visit comes at a pivotal moment for India-Sri Lanka relations, as both countries seek to deepen ties across defence, economic recovery, and energy cooperation. On Saturday, PM Modi is expected to engage in high-level bilateral talks with President Dissanayake, both one-on-one and at the delegation level. At least 10 major outcomes are expected from these meetings, including a landmark MoU on defence cooperation—a significant move that reflects the maturing of ties beyond the shadows of the past, including the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) 35 years ago.

Energy security is also high on the agenda, with proposed agreements aimed at enhancing India’s participation in Sri Lanka’s energy grid and infrastructure.

PM Modi’s visit holds added importance as it coincides with Sri Lanka’s slow but steady recovery from an economic crisis that brought the nation to a standstill three years ago. India played a vital role in stabilising the situation by extending financial support worth $4.5 billion, making it one of the first countries to respond decisively.

Following the talks, both sides are expected to release joint documents, including frameworks on debt restructuring and a currency swap agreement, which will further ease economic challenges and deepen bilateral financial cooperation.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019 and is being seen as a strategic reset in South Asia’s geopolitical balance, reinforcing India’s support to its neighbour during critical times.

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