Colombo (Sri Lanka)

In a landmark visit marked by symbolism, strategic depth and spiritual resonance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-day state visit to Sri Lanka, the first since 2019, with an array of historic announcements that signal a transformative shift in India-Sri Lanka relations.

From defence cooperation and infrastructure development to Tamil reconciliation and deepening people-to-people ties, the visit marked a new phase in the bilateral partnership — one that not only respects shared history and geography but actively forges a collaborative vision for the future.

A ceremonial welcome like no other

Modi's visit began with unprecedented honours — the first-ever ceremonial welcome for a visiting leader at Colombo’s Independence Square. “President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations,” PM Modi said during a joint press address with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people. Today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty,” he added.

Quoting the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, he said: “Seyar Kariya Yaavul Natt Pinn Aadu Pul Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu,” which he translated as: “In the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship.”

Future energy capital

A major focus of the visit was energy collaboration, particularly the trilateral agreement between India, Sri Lanka and the UAE to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. PM Modi emphasised, “The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans.”

The projects include the Sampur Solar Power Plant and the Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement. “The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity,” he said.

Defence and security: A new strategic axis

In a first, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described it as an “umbrella framework document that will make existing defence cooperation initiatives more structured”.

“There is also a recognition at the leadership level that the security interests of India and Sri Lanka are interlinked... The two sides concluded an MoU on defence cooperation, providing further impetus to the existing defence partnership and signifying their shared commitment to regional security and stability,” said Misri.

President Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to India’s security, stating unequivocally that “neither Sri Lanka's land nor the oceans around it will be allowed to be used in any manner inimical to India's security”.

A bottom-up approach

Multiple socio-economic initiatives were launched during the visit, ranging from infrastructure to agriculture and digital governance. “Today, we also inaugurated Sri Lanka's largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers,” PM Modi said, also announcing a support package of approximately 2.4 billion Lankan rupees for the development of the Eastern Provinces.

The two leaders also laid the foundation stone for the new railway signalling system on the Maho-Anuradhapura section, inaugurated the Maho-Omanthai railway line and confirmed that work on the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port would begin soon.

“I am pleased that today a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System will be inaugurated for religious places in Sri Lanka. India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project,” said PM Modi.

Spiritual bridge

Amid the flurry of strategic announcements, spiritual ties remained at the heart of Modi's message. “There is centuries-old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of my home state – Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition,” he said.

He also announced India’s support for renovating the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee and assistance in the development of the sacred city within the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi Temple complex and the Sita Eliya Temple in Nuwara Eliya.

Reconciliation with Tamil community

A deeply significant part of the visit was PM Modi’s outreach to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Meeting with Tamil leaders from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, he expressed sorrow over the passing of Tamil stalwarts R. Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah.

“I emphasised an unwavering commitment to a life of equality, dignity and justice for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka,” PM Modi said. “We will contribute to their social, economic and cultural progress.”

He also brought up the topic of Tamil aspirations during his bilateral discussions. “We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka appraised me of his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections,” Modi said.

Shared livelihoods, shared seas

The two leaders also discussed the contentious issue of fishermen. “We also discussed issues related to fishermen's livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats,” said Modi.

In a sign of the depth of India’s engagement across the Sri Lankan political spectrum, PM Modi met with the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa. “Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines,” PM Modi said.

“Cooperation and robust development partnership between India and Sri Lanka are guided by the welfare of the people of our two countries,” he added.

Regionally integrated future

Modi’s visit to Colombo followed his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, further underlining India’s strategic vision for South and Southeast Asia. In Colombo, he reiterated, “Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision Mahasagar.”

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The visit, marked by warm welcomes, landmark agreements, and a focus on both the symbolic and the practical, may well go down as a watershed moment in India-Sri Lanka relations. With regional security, economic stability, and cultural respect at its core, the evolving partnership is poised to define the Indian Ocean region’s future.

(With ANI and IANS inputs)