PTI, NEW DELHI, MARCH 28, 2025 : For the first time, India and Sri Lanka are set to sign a major defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo next week.
The pact comes as China continues its military expansion in Sri Lanka and the broader Indian Ocean region. Alongside defence cooperation, India and Sri Lanka are also expected to finalize a debt-restructuring agreement following Modi’s talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on April 5.
Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, scheduled for April 4–6, follows his trip to Thailand. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the defence pact would mark a turning point in bilateral relations, leaving behind the past controversies surrounding India’s withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) from Sri Lanka 35 years ago.
The agreement is expected to boost India-Sri Lanka defence engagement at a time when China is expanding its influence in the region.
“Modi’s visit will focus on promoting investments, deepening physical and digital connectivity, energy cooperation, and strengthening regional security ties,” Misri added.
Modi will be the first foreign leader hosted by Dissanayake in his capacity as Sri Lankan President. Modi last visited Sri Lanka in 2019.
