PM Modi accorded grand ceremonial welcome in Colombo, first ever for foreign dignitary

The prime minister was received at the Square by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Image: X/@MEAIndia)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, in perhaps the first such honour given to a foreign leader.

The prime minister was received at the Square by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“A special welcome at Sri Lanka’s majestic Independence Square. PM Narendra Modi was welcomed by President Anura Disanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo. Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our people lie ahead, ” the MEA posted on X.

A special welcome at s majestic Independence Square!PM @narendramodi was welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo.Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our pic.twitter.com/CmeqZwsQ3w
Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 5, 2025

PM Modi is currently on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka. The grand welcome marked the beginning of a visit focused on fostering regional collaboration and fast-tracking joint development projects.

Talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake are expected to produce around ten key outcomes, including seven bilateral pacts.

A major highlight could be a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, signalling a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka military relations. If signed, the MoU on defence cooperation is set to signal a major upward trajectory in India-Sri Lanka defence, leaving behind the bitter chapter relating to India pulling out the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) from the island nation around 35 years ago, according to PTI.

Two important documents related to India’s debt restructuring and currency swap assistance are also expected to be unveiled.

The two sides are also expected to seal a separate pact on cooperation in the digital domain.

These steps build on India’s earlier support of $4.5 billion during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, reaffirming New Delhi’s role as a key development partner in the island nation’s recovery, according to a report by News18.

During the visit, PM Modi will also travel to Anuradhapura to inaugurate development initiatives supported by India. His last visit to the island nation was in 2019.

(With inputs from PTI)