PM Modi’s Sri Lanka Visit: Strategic Talks on Defence, Trade & Energy Mark Landmark 3-Day Trip

• Jun 2, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a high-level three-day official visit, marking a key moment in bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. This trip is particularly significant as it is the first foreign visit hosted by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake since taking office.

The visit is packed with high-stakes dialogue and a strategic agenda focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, energy, trade, health, and digital infrastructure. The backdrop of the visit includes growing regional competition, especially with China’s increasing influence in Sri Lanka.

🔶 Key Focus Areas of the Visit:

🔹 1. Defence Partnership:

India and Sri Lanka are expected to sign a major defence cooperation agreement. The pact may include joint military drills, enhanced naval cooperation, and maritime security initiatives. With China's maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean, India seeks to maintain regional balance through deeper defence ties with its neighbors.

🔹 2. Energy Cooperation:

Energy will be a cornerstone of this visit. India plans to assist Sri Lanka in building an energy hub in Trincomalee, including investments in LNG supply and setting up an oil refinery under a joint venture. This move aims to ensure long-term energy security for Sri Lanka while providing India a strategic energy foothold in the region.

🔹 3. Trade & Economic Revival:

Amid Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts for economic stabilization, India is expected to announce trade and investment deals to support its recovery. Enhanced trade ties, credit lines, and direct investments from India can help boost employment and infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

🔹 4. Digital and Health Cooperation:

Agreements on digital connectivity, public health, and technology-sharing are also on the table. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare delivery and digital access in rural parts of Sri Lanka, using Indian expertise and platforms like UPI and e-Sanjeevani.

🌏 Geopolitical Significance:

This visit holds major geopolitical importance. With China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects—such as the Hambantota Port—already established in Sri Lanka, India is working to balance regional power by reinforcing its traditional ties with Colombo.

India’s involvement in projects like Trincomalee energy infrastructure and joint defence efforts showcases its long-term strategic commitment to the island nation.

🏁 Conclusion:

PM Modi’s Sri Lanka visit is more than just a diplomatic formality—it's a comprehensive strategic outreach. From defence agreements to energy collaboration and digital partnerships, the trip is set to redefine India-Sri Lanka relations for a new era.

This landmark visit emphasizes India's role as a trusted regional ally and reinforces New Delhi’s commitment to a stable, prosperous South Asia.