India, Sri Lanka ink first-ever defence pact; Trincomalee to be developed as energy hub

Dissanayake, on his part, assured Modi that Sri Lanka will not allow any activity on its soil that threatens India’s security. (Image courtesy: @narendramodi - X)

In a significant boost to bilateral ties, India and Sri Lanka on April 5 signed their first-ever defence cooperation pact, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that the security interests of both nations are "interlinked and dependent on each other."

The agreement, part of seven key deals signed following wide-ranging talks between Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, is being seen as a landmark moment in strategic ties—nearly four decades after the Indian Peace Keeping Force’s intervention in the island nation.

"We believe our security interests are similar," Modi said, thanking President Dissanayake for his "sensitivity towards India’s interests".

Dissanayake, on his part, assured Modi that Sri Lanka will not allow any activity on its soil that threatens India’s security. He also expressed gratitude for India’s continued support during difficult times.

Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks. India and Sri Lanka inked an agreement to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub and jointly inaugurated the Sampur solar power project, aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s clean energy capacity.

A separate grid interconnectivity deal was also signed, opening the door for Sri Lanka to potentially export electricity to India in the future.

Highlighting the importance of the neighbourhood, Modi said Sri Lanka holds a “special place” in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

Modi, who arrived in Colombo after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square—the first such honour for a foreign leader.