India and Sri Lanka: Strengthening Ties through Culture, Economy, and Strategic Partnership
India and Sri Lanka share a deep-rooted relationship that dates back to ancient times, shaped by cultural, religious, trade, and strategic connections. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka further reinforced this bond, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
This visit, which took place in response to an invitation extended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his visit to India in December last year, was Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2014 and second since 2019. Notably, he is also the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in September.
Top Honor for PM Modi
During this visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ award, by President Dissanayake. It was a symbolic gesture acknowledging Modi’s contributions in enhancing Indo-Lankan ties and upholding spiritual and cultural relations. In response, Modi quoted a couplet from the Thirukkural:
“There is no greater support than true friendship; and none more difficult to maintain than faithful help.”
This quote emphasized the essence of India’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka during challenging times.
A Grand Welcome
In a historic first, Sri Lanka held a grand ceremonial welcome for Prime Minister Modi at the Independence Square in Colombo, the first time such honors were extended to any foreign leader. This not only marked the significance of the visit but also highlighted the close relationship the two countries share.
Strategic and Economic Cooperation
One of the major highlights of the visit was the signing of seven crucial agreements in areas such as energy, security, trade, healthcare, digital connectivity, and infrastructure development. These agreements are expected to enhance commercial ties and foster strategic cooperation.
1. India–Sri Lanka Defence Agreement
Amid increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region, India and Sri Lanka have agreed on a bilateral defense cooperation pact. It includes joint military exercises and coordinated maritime surveillance, strengthening regional security and mutual preparedness.
2. The Trilateral Energy Agreement
A landmark trilateral agreement between India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Trincomalee energy projects has been signed. This initiative is seen as a key step toward sustainable energy cooperation in South Asia.
3. India’s Economic Support during Sri Lanka’s Crisis
India has been one of the primary supporters of Sri Lanka during its 2022 economic crisis, extending over $4 billion in financial assistance, including loans, credit lines for essential imports, and restructuring of unpaid debts. To date, India has provided around $1.36 billion in loans to Sri Lanka.
4. Infrastructure and Development Projects
India has also committed to several key development projects, including:
- The Sampur Solar Power Project
- A cold storage agriculture facility in Dambulla
- Solar power systems for 5,000 religious sites
- Railway infrastructure upgrades for the Maho–Omanthai and Maho–Anuradhapura railway lines
These projects, funded by Indian financial aid, are expected to boost Sri Lanka’s rural development and energy sustainability.
5. Support for Tamil Welfare
As part of India’s commitment to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, PM Modi announced the construction of 10,000 houses for Sri Lankan Tamils, aiming to improve their living conditions and support their rehabilitation and development.
6. Cultural and Spiritual Ties
India and Sri Lanka are linked by a rich spiritual heritage through Buddhism, Saivism, and Vaishnavism. This visit also emphasized the importance of enhancing spiritual tourism, heritage site preservation, and people-to-people contact to strengthen cultural diplomacy.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 visit to Sri Lanka was not merely ceremonial—it was a strategic and symbolic move to deepen long-term bilateral cooperation. From defense to development, and energy to empathy, this visit covered diverse dimensions of India–Sri Lanka relations. The new agreements and collaborations are set to usher in a new era of mutual growth, regional security, and cultural partnership.
With India’s continuous support and Sri Lanka’s openness to collaboration, both nations are poised to build a stronger, resilient, and harmonious future together.
