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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks on Monday with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, focusing on strengthening India-Sri Lanka cooperation across various sectors, including defence, trade, and investment.

 

Disanayaka, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday, is on his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency in September. His visit began with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 

Ahead of the talks, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on 'X', "An extensive agenda encompassing trade, investment, development and security cooperation will be discussed."

 

Welcoming a civilisational partner!

President @anuradisanayake of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 receives a ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour on his maiden State Visit to India.

President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn and PM @narendramodi greeted President @anuradisanayake at the Forecourt… pic.twitter.com/MsIArBLYQL

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 16, 2024

 

On Sunday, the Sri Lankan President held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

During his visit, Disanayaka will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and is set to attend a business event aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka.

Additionally, he is scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya.

 

Sri Lanka, India's closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, holds a key position in Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 

The MEA further added, "The visit of President Disanayaka to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries."

 

The issue of maritime security cooperation is expected to feature prominently during Disanayaka's visit, according to sources.

India has been strengthening its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka, particularly in light of growing concerns over China's military presence in the Indian Ocean.

 

In August 2022, the docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang' at Hambantota port sparked a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.

A Chinese warship also docked at Colombo port in August of the previous year.

 

India has been providing capacity-building support to Sri Lanka's defence forces, including the supply of indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessels.