PM Modi holds talks with Sri Lankan Prez

India, Sri Lanka decide to ramp up defence, energy and trade ties

NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday that the island nation's soil would not be used in ways that could harm India's security interests. This commitment came amidst rising concerns in New Delhi about China's growing influence over Colombo.

The assurance was delivered during President Dissanayaka's three-day visit to India, where he engaged in wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Modi. The talks culminated in agreements to expedite a defence cooperation pact and enhance bilateral energy ties, including plans for electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines.

In a media statement following the talks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the interconnected security interests of the two nations. "President Dissanayaka and I are in full agreement that the security of both countries is interconnected. We have decided to quickly finalise a security cooperation agreement." Modi said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided further clarity, stating, "Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance and sensitivity of India's security interests, and President Dissanayaka was clear in his assurance that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in ways that could harm India."