Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarked on his first official state visit to India from December 15 to 17, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. The visit came just months after Dissanayake’s electoral victory in September 2024, underscoring his government’s commitment to reasserting Sri Lanka’s position in the regional political landscape and cultivating stronger ties with India. This historic visit comes at a time when both nations face evolving geopolitical dynamics and economic challenges, offering a unique opportunity to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as trade, security, infrastructure, and regional stability. President Dissanayake’s itinerary was packed with high-level discussions with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Health Minister J.P. Nadda, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
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In a press conference following bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Sri Lankan President Dissanayake for choosing India as the destination for his first foreign visit. He highlighted the new speed and energy in the growing ties between the two nations. PM Modi stated, “I welcome President Dissanayake to India. We are pleased that you chose India for your first state visit. With this visit, we are infusing new momentum into our relationship. Our partnership is built on a futuristic vision, emphasizing investment-driven growth and enhanced connectivity. We have identified physical, digital, and energy connectivity as key pillars of our collaboration, including projects for electricity grid connectivity and a multi-petroleum pipeline”. In response, President Dissanayake also expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am very happy to be in Delhi for my first state visit. I thank India for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I also thank PM Modi and President Murmu. This visit will pave the way for further strengthening cooperation between our countries.”
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Ceremonial welcome and symbolic gestures
On December 16, President Dissanayake was formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, in a ceremony filled with state honors. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly greeted him with a traditional horseback parade. The event featured a 21-gun salute, emphasizing the significance of the visit. Following the formalities, the President was provided with a guard of honor presented by the Indian Armed Forces.
Later in the day, President Dissanayake paid a visit to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat, where he planted an Ashoka tree and signed the guest book to commemorate his maiden overseas visit. This gesture symbolized the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and India, rooted in shared history and values. Following the ceremony, President Dissanayake engaged in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu, and other prominent Indian officials, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and several cabinet ministers.
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Strengthening economic and strategic cooperation
The discussions during President Dissanayake’s visit focused on several vital areas aimed at enhancing the partnership between the two nations. The leaders agreed to advance economic cooperation under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), as well as explore the long-awaited Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) to drive new opportunities for investment and trade. The leaders acknowledged India’s significant support for Sri Lanka during its recent financial crisis, which included over $4 billion in credit lines and grants, thereby solidifying the foundation of their economic relationship. A notable aspect of the visit was the emphasis on currency cooperation, particularly through the enhancement of INR-LKR trade settlements. This move is expected to facilitate smoother trade between the two countries while reducing reliance on third-party currencies, contributing to financial stability in the region.
Regional security and defence cooperation
The security and defence discussions were equally significant. Both countries explored the potential for a comprehensive framework agreement for defense cooperation. This agreement would include joint exercises, capacity-building initiatives, and technology sharing aimed at enhancing mutual security. Additionally, maritime security emerged as a key area of concern, with India reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities. The two nations agreed to deepen collaboration to counter illicit activities, piracy, and external threats in the Indian Ocean. The discussions also included the rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai Port, anticipating Indian grant assistance. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, trade capacity, and regional connectivity.
Signing major MOUs
Sri Lanka and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to prevent double taxation and to provide training for Sri Lankan civil administrators at the Indian National Centre for Good Governance. The MoU was signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. President Dissanayake held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the latter’s official residence. After the discussions, the two leaders exchanged MoUs on avoiding double taxation and enhancing the capacity of government officials, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation.
Advancing cultural and tourism relations
Recognizing the cultural and historical ties between the two nations, President Dissanayake and Indian leaders discussed ways to promote tourism and cultural exchange. Both countries have acknowledged the importance of air connectivity, with the resumption of flights between Chennai and Jaffna marking a significant step forward. The leaders also expressed their commitment to developing religious and cultural tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka, leveraging India’s expertise in the sector. Moreover, both nations agreed to promote academic exchanges to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties.
A strategic tilt towards India
President Dissanayake’s decision to make India the destination for his first foreign visit was seen as a strategic move, signaling a potential recalibration of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. While Sri Lanka maintains its relations with China, the visit highlighted a growing alignment with India, driven by shared economic and security interests. This strategic shift is particularly pertinent in the context of China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By prioritizing relations with India, Sri Lanka seeks to balance its foreign engagements while securing its economic recovery and regional stability.
Addressing bilateral issues
Despite the generally positive relations between the two countries, certain challenges persist. A major concern remains the Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, particularly ports, which India views with suspicion. Another contentious issue is the fishermen dispute, where Indian fishermen have occasionally strayed into Sri Lankan waters, causing tensions. Both leaders acknowledged these issues and emphasized the need for continued dialogue to resolve them in a peaceful and humanitarian manner. Additionally, they viewed the recent conclusion of the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting on Fisheries in Colombo as a positive step towards a long-term solution. Furthermore, ethnic issues, particularly related to Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority, also remain a sensitive subject in bilateral relations. India has consistently called for progress in addressing the concerns of Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, though this remains a delicate issue.
Key projects and future prospects
One of the most ambitious projects discussed during the visit was the proposed $5 billion rail and road link connecting Rameswaram in India to Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, spanning the Palk Strait. This visionary project aims to enhance connectivity and reduce transportation costs, benefiting both economies. Both countries agreed to conduct thorough assessments to ensure the project’s sustainability, highlighting environmental concerns. Furthermore, India and Sri Lanka discussed the potential development of energy infrastructure, including a multi-product petroleum pipeline and electricity grid connectivity. These initiatives are expected to improve energy security and foster long-term cooperation in the energy sector.
A visit to Mahabodhi Temple
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Welcomed by government officials and Buddhist monks, his visit highlights the strengthening of Sri Lanka-India relations. Bodhgaya, a town renowned for its religious significance, draws pilgrims from across the globe to the historic temple.
A positive shift
President Dissanayake’s visit to India represents a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and its relationship with its closest neighbor. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit underscore the importance of strategic collaboration in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. As both nations navigate shared economic challenges and security concerns, this visit sets the stage for a partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and regional stability. Moving forward, the task will be to sustain the momentum generated by this visit, particularly in areas such as security, infrastructure development, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation. By embracing a pragmatic and forward-looking approach, Sri Lanka and India can build a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring long-term peace and prosperity in the region.