Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour in Sri Lanka on Saturday as he kicked off his first visit to the island nation in his third term. Both countries are expected to sign key deals in defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health and trade sectors amid concerns over China's expanding its influence across the Indian Ocean region.
This is PM Modi's first visit since Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took charge last year - and the first by any foreign leader since Dissanayake began his term in 2024. It also comes after Dissanayake's visit to India in December - his first state visit since assuming office.
During this visit, PM Modi will be carrying forward India's initiative to help Sri Lanka rebuild after the 2022 economic crisis battered the island nation.
He is likely to sign key agreements like the joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board for a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee that will address the island nation's growing energy needs.
Trade, defence, and maritime security will also be on the agenda. PM Modi's visit comes at a time when Tamil Nadu has passed a resolution to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka - an emotive issue for fishermen in the state due to the long-standing dispute over fishing rights around the 285-acre island.
