India and Sri Lanka Set to Finalize Key Defence Agreement During PM Modi's Colombo Visit
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Synopsis
During PM Modi's visit to Colombo, India and Sri Lanka are expected to sign a significant Defence cooperation pact aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and addressing China's growing military influence in the region. The visit will also cover agreements in health, energy, and digital sectors.
Key Takeaways
- India and Sri Lanka to sign major Defence pact.
- Focus on economic, energy, and digital collaboration.
- Eight MoUs expected to be signed.
- Discussion on restructuring Sri Lanka's debt.
- Strengthening bilateral connectivity and cooperation.
Colombo, April 5 (NationPress) India and Sri Lanka are poised to finalize a significant Defence cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Colombo, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and addressing the escalating military presence of China in the area.
The agreements, including the Defence pact, are part of a larger initiative to strengthen economic, energy, and digital collaboration between the two nations.
During this visit, India and Sri Lanka are anticipated to sign eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering various critical sectors such as Defence, health, energy, and digitalization.
Significantly, one of the MoUs will center on providing Sri Lanka with more affordable energy, which is crucial as the country navigates its ongoing economic difficulties.
Alongside the Defence pact, the discussions will delve into restructuring Sri Lanka's debt, improving bilateral connectivity, and fostering further cooperation across multiple fronts. PM Modi's visit is expected to substantially enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Upon arrival in Colombo, PM Modi received a warm reception from hundreds of local residents and members of the Indian diaspora, despite inclement weather.
Key ministers from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Cabinet, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, welcomed the Prime Minister at Bandaranaike International Airport.
"The India-Sri Lanka relationship is fundamentally rooted in civilizational connections, shared history, religion, culture, and robust people-to-people engagements. In the contemporary era, it has transformed into a close economic, cultural, and technical partnership," stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri prior to PM Modi's visit.
He further highlighted, "Sri Lanka is a vital aspect of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and this partnership, grounded in mutual trust and goodwill, has withstood the test of time."
PM Modi’s visit marks the inaugural occasion he will be hosted by President Dissanayake in his role as the President of Sri Lanka.
The two leaders are anticipated to witness the signing of several agreements concerning energy connectivity, digitization, Defence, and health.
The nations will also assess the advancements on cooperation areas outlined in the Joint Vision for 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future', established during the Sri Lankan President’s state visit to India previously.
PM Modi is also scheduled to engage with other political figures in the nation before heading to Anuradhapura with Dissanayake for the inauguration of development projects funded by India on Sunday.
In Anuradhapura, both leaders will pay homage at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple complex, which holds significant meaning in the India-Sri Lanka civilizational partnership. PM Modi had previously visited the temple during his trip to the country in 2015 and again in 2019.
During their discussions, both leaders will also address all matters related to fishermen, including the prompt release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing vessels.
