India and Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation: India and Sri Lanka have agreed to deepen their defence collaboration, recognizing shared security interests and challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s maritime security needs.
The two nations have decided to conclude a defence cooperation agreement soon, with a focus on hydrography. In a joint statement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Colombo Security Conclave as a crucial platform for promoting regional peace, security, and development.
He said, “We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to conclude the defence cooperation agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security and development. Under this, cooperation will be enhanced on topics like maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber-security, fight against smuggling and organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
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Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka, which are rooted in their shared civilizational history. He pointed out that when India recognized Pali as a “Classical Language,” Sri Lanka also celebrated this recognition.
PM Modi welcomed Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India and expressed his happiness that the President chose New Delhi as the first destination for his foreign visit after taking office. He also mentioned that both countries have adopted a forward-looking vision to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on mutual growth and collaboration.
Welcoming Sri Lankan President to India, PM Modi said, “I welcome President Dissanayake to India. We are happy that you (Anura Kumara Dissanayake) chose India as his first foreign visit. This visit will bring a new speed and energy to the ties. For our partnership, we have adopted a futuristic vision.”
Speaking about economic cooperation, he said, “In our economic cooperation, we have laid emphasis on investment-led growth and connectivity. We have decided that physical, digital and energy connectivity will be important pillars of our partnership. Work will be done for establishing electricity grid connectivity and multi petroleum pipeline. Pace will be given to Sampur Solar Power Plant. LNG will be supplied for Sri Lankan Power plants. To boost bilateral trade, both sides will try to conclude the Ekta soon.”
PM Narendra Modi’s Support for Sri Lanka
According to IBTimes, PM Narendra Modi stated that India has provided a total of 5 billion dollars in line of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka. He emphasized that this cooperation has reached all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, reflecting the broad and inclusive support India has extended to its neighbor.
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“India has so far provided 5 billion dollars in line of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka. We have cooperation in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and the selection of our projects is always based on the development priorities of the partner countries. Taking our development cooperation forward, we have decided that grant assistance will be given for the rehabilitation of the signalling system of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and Kankesanthurai Port,” he said.
Announcing monthly scholarship for 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern province from next year, PM Modi said, “Under education cooperation, from next year, monthly scholarships will be given to 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province. In the next 5 years, 1500 civil servants of Sri Lanka will be trained in India. Along with housing, renewable energy and infrastructure, India will also cooperate for the development of agriculture, dairy and fisheries in Sri Lanka. India will also participate in the unique digital identity project in Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka-India Bilateral Talks
The talks focused on enhancing maritime surveillance, defense dialogue, and joint exercises. Additionally, also strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster mitigation and relief capabilities through training, exercises, and sharing best practices. The partnership will also focus on enhancing capacity building and providing tailored training programs for Sri Lanka’s defence forces.
The two leaders issued a joint statement following their discussions at the Hyderabad House in Delhi, according to ThePrint. They greeted each other warmly before engaging in talks. The Sri Lankan President is on a three-day state visit to India from December 15 to December 17. This marks his first bilateral visit to India since assuming office in September.
