• Source:JND
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Colombo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a "restricted" level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, shortly after being accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square - the first time Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner. Following the talks, India and Sri Lanka signed a defence pact-- marking the first defence deal that two sides signed after two sides established diplomatic relations.

The meeting marks a key moment in PM Modi's ongoing three-day visit, which aims to strengthen bilateral ties under the shared vision of "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future."

PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome

The ceremonial welcome earlier in the day, led by President Dissanayake, reflected the significance Colombo places on the India-Sri Lanka relationship. PM Modi's arrival on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019 and comes amid a renewed regional focus on development partnerships and cultural exchange.

Kachchatheevu Island and the Indian fishermen issues on agenda

During the bilateral talks, it is expected that PM Modi will take up the issues of Kachchatheevu Island and the Indian fishermen. Last time, when the Sri Lankan leader visited New Delhi, the fishermen issue was addressed, however, a few months later, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 13 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry aboard a Karaikal fishing boat, on charges of trespassing and fishing in the island. Also, India had summoned the Sri Lankan envoy in New Delhi after two of them were sustained injuries by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo following a stop in Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In Sri Lanka, PM Modi was warmly received at the airport by six senior ministers, despite rainy weather.

India, Sri Lanka ink major Defence pact 

India and Sri Lanka signed a major Defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and countering the growing military influence of China in the region. The agreements, including a Defence pact, come as part of a broader effort to bolster economic, energy, and digital cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, India and Sri Lanka signed eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering several key sectors, including Defence, health, energy, and digitalisation. Notably, one of the MoUs will focus on supplying Sri Lanka with more affordable energy, a much-needed support amid the country's ongoing economic challenges.

In addition to the Defence pact, the visit will include high-level discussions on restructuring Sri Lanka's debt, enhancing bilateral connectivity, and further cooperation across various domains. PM Modi's visit is expected to significantly boost diplomatic relations between the two nations. PM Modi

PM Modi's visit marks the first time he will be hosted by President Dissanayake in his capacity as Sri Lanka's President. The two leaders are expected to witness the exchange of multiple agreements related to energy connectivity, digitisation, Defence, and health. The two countries are also set to review progress on the areas of cooperation outlined in the Joint Vision for 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future', adopted during the Sri Lankan President's state visit to India earlier.

PM Modi is also scheduled to meet other political leaders of the nation before travelling to Anuradhapura with Dissanayake for the inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance on Sunday. In Anuradhapura, both leaders will pay respect at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple complex in Anuradhapura. PM Modi had also visited the temple, which holds a special significance in India-Sri Lanka civilisational partnership, during his visit to the country in 2015. Prime Minister Modi then visited Sri Lanka again in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

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