Colombo: In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and Sri Lanka signed 10 key agreements on Saturday, including a landmark defence cooperation pact — the first such framework deal between the two neighbours. The agreements were finalised after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi.
The defence pact aims to formalise joint military exercises, training programs, and high-level exchanges, marking a turning point in strategic ties nearly four decades after India’s Peace Keeping Force was deployed in Sri Lanka.
“We believe that our security interests are similar. The security of both countries is interlinked and dependent on each other,” said PM Modi, who also thanked President Dissanayake for being sensitive to India’s concerns. “We welcome the important agreements concluded in defence cooperation.”
In response, President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its soil to be used in a manner that could harm India’s interests. “India’s assistance to Sri Lanka in times of need and continuing solidarity are deeply cherished,” he said.
Here are the top 10 deals signed during the high-level meeting:
- Defence Cooperation MoU – A historic framework agreement enabling structured defence cooperation including joint exercises, training, and exchanges.
- Sampur Solar Power Project Launch – A major step in India-backed energy development in Sri Lanka, aimed at boosting power security and making Trincomalee a key energy hub.
- Electricity Grid Interconnectivity MoU – This allows both countries to explore cross-border electricity trade and strengthen energy collaboration.
- Tripartite Energy Agreement with UAE – A three-nation pact to develop Trincomalee’s energy infrastructure, including a multi-product pipeline.
- Digital Transformation MoU – India will extend its successful digital platforms and solutions to assist Sri Lanka in advancing digital governance.
- ₹240 Crore Development Package for Eastern Province – India pledges around 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees to uplift the social and economic conditions of the Eastern Province.
- Solar Rooftop Systems for Religious Shrines – India to fund $17 million for the installation of solar rooftop systems at 5,000 religious sites, benefiting Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim institutions.
- MoU on Health Sector Cooperation – Signed between India’s Health Ministry and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health & Mass Media to deepen collaboration in medicine and healthcare.
- Pharmacopoeial Standards Agreement – A partnership between India’s Pharmacopoeia Commission and Sri Lanka’s medicines regulator to align drug standards and practices.
- Energy Hub Development in Trincomalee – A broader agreement to establish Trincomalee as a strategic energy hub, linking multiple energy and infrastructure initiatives under one vision.
