Lanka President Dissanayake Assures PM Modi Of Protecting India’s Security Interests Amid Chinese Influence

During a state visit to Colombo on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received assurances from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory to be used in any way that could compromise India's security interests.

The pledge appeared to address mounting concerns regarding China's expanding footprint in the region through investment and infrastructure initiatives.

Photo Credit: @narendramodi on X via PTI Photo

China's growing economic engagement with Sri Lanka-especially through major infrastructure projects-has raised issues surrounding both sovereignty and regional security.

PM Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening to a warm and ceremonious welcome. He was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by five senior Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

On Saturday morning, PM Modi was formally received with a ceremonial welcome at Colombo's Independence Square, where President Dissanayake greeted him in person. This marked the first time Sri Lanka has extended such an honour to a visiting dignitary, making the event both historic and symbolic of the strengthening ties between the two nations.

President Dissanayake conferred upon Modi the 'Mithra Vibhushana' award, one of Sri Lanka's highest civilian honours. In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's steadfast support for Sri Lanka during times of hardship, citing India's assistance following the 2019 Easter terror attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the nation's recent economic crisis.

Landmark Defence Agreement Signed

In a major development, India and Sri Lanka signed a significant defence cooperation agreement on Saturday-the first of its kind between the two countries. The agreement followed high-level talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake.

Alongside the defence pact, both nations agreed to jointly develop Trincomalee as an energy hub and signed another memorandum to support India's multi-sectoral grant aid in Sri Lanka's eastern province.

The two leaders also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project, marking a milestone in bilateral energy collaboration.

Several additional agreements were concluded during the discussions, further solidifying the India-Sri Lanka partnership.

The talks took place a day after PM Modi arrived from Bangkok, where he attended the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit.