India and Sri Lanka Sign Landmark Agreements Including First Ever Defence Deal
Colombo— In a major diplomatic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a significant new chapter in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. The wide-ranging agreements span areas from energy cooperation to defence, with the highlight being the signing of the first-ever defence pact between the two neighbouring nations.
The series of agreements was signed during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Sri Lanka — his first since beginning his third term in office. The visit, laden with symbolism and strategic intent, reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening regional ties and supporting Sri Lanka in key developmental and security sectors.
Among the most notable MoUs signed was the inaugural defence agreement, a landmark in the history of India-Sri Lanka relations. While the details of the deal have not been fully disclosed, officials from both sides emphasized that it would enhance maritime security, bolster regional stability, and facilitate closer collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries. The agreement is seen as a response to the evolving security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, where both nations share strategic interests.
Equally significant was the announcement of a joint energy venture involving India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The two entities signed an MoU to establish a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee, a region known for its strategic importance and natural resources. The project is expected to boost renewable energy production in Sri Lanka and contribute to the island’s goal of achieving sustainable energy security.
Speaking at the joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Modi called the agreements a “new era of cooperation,” underscoring India’s role as a reliable and committed partner in Sri Lanka’s development. He noted that the defence partnership, in particular, would pave the way for increased collaboration on maritime surveillance, disaster response, and regional peacekeeping efforts.
President Dissanayake echoed these sentiments, describing the agreements as “a step forward in deepening trust and mutual respect.” He praised India for its continued support in infrastructure, energy, and capacity-building initiatives and said the new defence cooperation would play a pivotal role in safeguarding regional sovereignty and promoting peace.
The agreements come at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from recent economic challenges, and India has played a central role in providing both financial and humanitarian assistance to stabilize the nation. The solar power deal, in particular, highlights the shift towards sustainable and strategic projects that promise long-term benefits for both countries.
Experts view the agreements as a strong signal of India’s growing engagement in the region, especially in light of increasing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. The deepening of defence ties with Sri Lanka is seen as part of India’s broader effort to strengthen regional alliances, counterbalance external influences, and promote a secure and stable maritime environment.
With the signing of these MoUs, India and Sri Lanka have laid the groundwork for a more integrated partnership based on shared values, regional security, and sustainable development. The visit and the agreements signal a renewed momentum in bilateral relations and reflect a mutual desire to build a future anchored in cooperation and shared progress.
