India and Sri Lanka signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in New Delhi on Monday, aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a three-day state visit to India.
During a joint press conference, PM Modi highlighted India’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka, saying that India has provided $5 billion in lines of credit and grant assistance to the island nation.
“We have cooperation in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, and the selection of our projects is always based on the development priorities of the partner countries,” PM Modi said.
One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the decision to expedite a defence cooperation agreement between the two nations. PM Modi emphasized that both India and Sri Lanka recognize that their security interests are interlinked.
“We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to conclude the defence cooperation agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security and development. Under this, cooperation will be enhanced on topics like maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, fight against smuggling and organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” PM Modi said.
Economic cooperation was another major focus, with both leaders underscoring the importance of investment-led growth and connectivity. PM Modi highlighted plans to strengthen physical, digital, and energy connectivity as the pillars of the partnership.
“Work will be done for establishing electricity grid connectivity and multi petroleum pipeline. Pace will be given to Sampur Solar Power Plant. LNG will be supplied for Sri Lankan Power plants. To boost bilateral trade, both sides will try to conclude the Ekta soon, ” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also outlined plans for the rehabilitation of key infrastructure, including the signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and the development of Kankesanthurai Port.
In education, starting next year, India will offer monthly scholarships to 200 students from universities in Jaffna and the Eastern Province. Furthermore, 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants will receive training in India over the next five years.
India’s cooperation with Sri Lanka will also extend to sectors such as housing, renewable energy, agriculture, dairy, and fisheries. In addition, India will participate in Sri Lanka’s unique digital identity project.
PM Modi highlighted the deep cultural connections between the two countries, noting that when the Pali language was recognized as a “Classical Language” in India, it was celebrated in Sri Lanka as well.
Dissanayake’s state visit, which runs from December 15 to 17, marks his first bilateral visit to India since assuming office in September.
(With ANI inputs)
