A spirit of accommodation marked the talks between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Dissanayake's three-day state visit to India from December 15 to 17. Both sides candidly outlined their interests and concerns, agreeing to address some sensitive issues later, maintaining the overall objective of building strong bilateral relations. This meeting at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, was indicative of the growing empathy between the two leaders, having risen from grassroots political backgrounds.
The discussions revealed how dramatically the political climate has shifted, especially considering Dissanayake’s leadership of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which historically opposed India’s influence. His electoral victories marked a significant departure from this legacy, placing the JVP at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s political sphere through the National Peoples’ Power (NPP).
Immediately after Dissanayake's election, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rushed to Colombo, extending offers aimed at fostering friendship with the new Sri Lankan president. Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's unwavering support during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis, which had resulted from the unprecedented challenges of 2022. During their talks, Dissanayake stated, "I deeply appreciate the unwavering support from India during and after our economic crisis" and, echoing the mutual objectives of the leaders, underscored the importance of working toward achieving comprehensive bilateral partnership.
Dissanayake credited India for its assistance amounting to $4 billion, which included emergency financing for the restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for financial assistance of $20.66 million aimed at settling payments for completed projects, significantly reducing the country's debt burden. Modi reiterated India's pledge to continue supporting Sri Lanka's recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from debt-reliant models to investment-led partnerships, which both leaders agreed would bolster their economic cooperation.
Recognizing the potential for mutual growth through enhanced trade, Modi and Dissanayake discussed the possibilities of revisiting the stalled Economic & Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), previously rejected by Sri Lanka due to fears of Indian dominance. They also agreed upon fostering Indian investments, particularly to boost exports from Sri Lanka, and to work on the revival of the passenger ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The joint commitment to energy cooperation was prominent during the visit, with discussions around solar power projects, LNG supplies for Sri Lankan power plants, and infrastructure global initiatives. Modi announced plans to expedite efforts on the Sampur solar power project and called for establishing high-capacity power grids between the two countries, aimed at ensuring energy security and interlinking their economies.
Both leaders expressed aspirations for developing regional energy hubs and enhancing maritime cooperation, focusing particularly on the Kankesanthurai port and the rehabilitation of Sri Lanka's transport infrastructure, including rail upgrades with Indian financial support. This shared enthusiasm for amplifying energy security symbolizes India’s strategy to solidify its influence and outreach amid competition from China.
Sri Lanka’s national security concerns were also at the forefront of discussions. Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to not allowing its territories to be exploited against India, addressing longstanding apprehensions held by New Delhi over China’s increasing presence on the island. Both leaders agreed to explore possibilities for defense cooperation and initiate dialogues to strengthen mutual confidence.
Modi asserted, "Both nations have decided to conclude the defense cooperation agreement soon," stressing the importance of addressing broader regional security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime safety control. Many see these developments as reflective of heightened geopolitical dynamics, as both countries navigate the shifting alliances and partnerships across the region.
Educational initiatives were another pillar of the strengthened relations, with plans for training 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over the next five years, funded through India’s National Centre for Good Governance. Dissanayake expressed hope about resolving fishermen's conflicts and ensuring the aspirations of Tamil communities are addressed, showing the commitment to building comprehensive and inclusive ties.
Moving forward, the leaders pledged to accelerate the timelines of various India-backed projects, which symbolize deepening diplomatic ties and commitment to mutual growth. The combination of economic collaboration, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges establishes the foundation for what both nations hope will be sustained diplomatic engagement.
Looking at the overall direction of bilateral relations, the recent engagements signify not only the urgency to overcome past grievances but also the eagerness to embrace new opportunities together. The emphasis on enhancing energy security and boosting economic ties reflects the strategic depth of this partnership between India and Sri Lanka, holding promise for future bilateral interactions.
