PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka in 2025

Context-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone in India-Sri Lanka relations, reflecting India’s strategic outreach under the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. This was Modi’s first visit since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office.

🔑 Key Highlights of the Visit

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🛡️ Defence and Security Cooperation

• A Defence Cooperation Pact was signed, creating an umbrella framework for structured and sustained engagement in joint military exercises, high-level exchanges, and training programs.
• The Sri Lankan President reaffirmed commitment to ensuring Sri Lankan territory will not be used against India’s security interests.
• Strengthened collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave focusing on Indian Ocean security and maritime domain awareness.

⚡ Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives

• MoU for electricity grid interconnection to facilitate cross-border power trade between India and Sri Lanka.
• A tripartite MoU with UAE was signed to develop Trincomalee as a regional energy hub, which includes:
  • Construction of a multi-product energy pipeline
  • Joint development of fuel tank farms
• PM Modi virtually inaugurated the 120 MW Sampur solar power project, built in partnership with India’s NTPC.

💻 Economic and Digital Cooperation

• MoU signed for sharing India’s digital public infrastructure solutions like Aadhaar, UPI, and CoWIN with Sri Lanka to support digital transformation.
• Announcement of a 2.4 billion Sri Lankan Rupee aid package for the socio-economic development of the Eastern Province.

🕌 Cultural and Religious Engagements

• India to send sacred relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat in 1960, to Sri Lanka during Vesak festivities – symbolizing shared spiritual heritage.
• Assistance announced for:
  • Renovation of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee
  • Construction of a sacred city at the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex
  • Support for Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya

📝 Agreements and MoUs Signed

• 7 MoUs covering:
  • Defence
  • Digital Infrastructure
  • Renewable Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Power Grid Connectivity
• Bilateral agreement on debt restructuring to ease Sri Lanka’s repayment burden to Indian banks.

🌏 Strategic Significance

In light of China’s growing influence in the region, India is recalibrating its approach by offering development-centric, inclusive, and culturally sensitive alternatives. By boosting cooperation in defense, energy, technology, and culture, PM Modi’s visit seeks to position India as Sri Lanka’s long-term and trusted partner in its recovery and growth journey.

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims –

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Defence Cooperation Pact signed between India and Sri Lanka in 2025?

1. It is a legally binding treaty signed under the UN Security Council framework.
2. It aims to formalise joint military exercises and high-level defence exchanges.
3. The agreement ensures that Sri Lanka will host an Indian military base for Indian Ocean surveillance.

Options:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect (not under UNSC); Statement 3 is incorrect (no Indian base agreed).

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India’s outreach to Sri Lanka in 2025 reflects a calibrated balance of strategic, economic, and cultural diplomacy.”
Discuss in the context of recent bilateral developments and regional geopolitics.

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