India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Security and Economic Ties During Presidential Visit

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assures India of cooperation on security concerns and Tamil reconciliation during his first foreign trip since taking office.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, marking his first foreign visit since assuming office in September.
Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be used for activities harmful to India's security, addressing concerns over Chinese surveillance vessels visiting Sri Lankan ports.
India and Sri Lanka agreed to finalize a defence cooperation agreement, enhance intelligence sharing, and collaborate on maritime security and disaster response initiatives.
Modi emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka addressing Tamil minority aspirations, including holding provincial council elections and implementing constitutional provisions for reconciliation.
The two nations announced new connectivity projects, including a ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar, and expanded economic cooperation in energy, trade, and infrastructure development.