New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka next week, marking an important step in strengthening ties between the two countries. This visit is significant because it will be the first major update in their defense relationship since the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) went to Sri Lanka in the 1980s.
During his visit from April 4 to 6, PM Modi will be the first foreign leader to meet with Sri Lanka’s new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Their discussions will cover numerous important topics, including defense and security, energy, and infrastructure development.
After President Dissanayake’s trip to India last December, both countries began working on a defense cooperation agreement. Recently, Sri Lanka proposed some changes to this agreement. They are expected to sign it when Modi visits. This agreement aims to strengthen military ties, after a difficult history due to India’s past intervention in Sri Lanka’s civil war.
India plans to support Sri Lanka’s military by providing defense tools and conducting joint exercises. Recently, India has been concerned about China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, especially around Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.
In addition to defense matters, the two countries will finalize several important economic agreements. These include deals between India’s Reserve Bank and Sri Lanka’s Central Bank to help deal with debt and extend a currency swap arrangement. There’s also a plan to develop the Trincomalee oil tank farm in collaboration with the UAE.
There will be agreements for connecting the power grids of India and Sri Lanka and another for working together on digital public infrastructure. India has already helped Sri Lanka significantly during its economic crisis last year by offering $4.5 billion in assistance.
Modi’s visit will focus on ways to boost investments and improve connections in energy and digital sectors. One key issue on the agenda will be the detention of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities for crossing maritime boundaries. Modi is expected to raise these concerns with President Dissanayake during their discussions.
Interestingly, Dissanayake’s choice to visit India first as president is noteworthy because his political party has historically taken a stance against India. While in India, he assured Modi that Sri Lanka would not allow any actions on its soil harmful to Indian interests.
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