On December 16, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to threaten India’s security. This statement came during his first visit to India since taking office, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main focus of their discussions was strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in light of growing concerns about China’s influence in the region.
Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka would treat any assurance made by Modi regarding India’s security as a formal commitment. During their talks, both leaders agreed on several areas of cooperation, including defense and energy.
They also expressed their commitment to finalizing a defense cooperation agreement and enhancing energy relations through initiatives like electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines.
Sri Lankan President Assures India of Unwavering Security
During his first visit to New Delhi as Sri Lankan President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a strong commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, assuring that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in any way that could threaten India’s security.
“Today, we exchanged several bilateral agreements, and I also extend an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I assured him that we will not permit our land to be used in any manner harmful to India’s interests. The cooperation between our nations will grow, and I want to reaffirm our continued support for India,” Dissanayake stated at a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi.
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Sri Lanka Reaffirms Commitment After Rising Chinese Influence
Sri Lanka has reassured India of its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. This comes as Beijing continues to push its “Mission Indian Ocean” strategy, which has raised concerns for India’s security.
China’s presence in Sri Lanka has grown, especially with its control of the Hambantota Port after Sri Lanka struggled to repay Chinese loans. The port has become a base for Chinese naval and surveillance vessels, a development that has sparked strategic concerns in New Delhi due to its close proximity to India’s southern coast.
This is not the first time President Disanayaka has assured India of Sri Lanka’s stance on security. In October, after taking office, Disanayaka told India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that Sri Lankan territory would not be used for activities against India’s security.
According to Disanayaka, Sri Lanka’s relationship with India is such that any commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding security is seen as a guarantee by Sri Lanka. Both leaders have also discussed enhancing cooperation in areas like defense and energy. They agreed to fast-track a defense cooperation agreement and work on strengthening energy ties through electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines.
Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Ties Discussion
Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held detailed talks in New Delhi earlier today, aiming to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations across key sectors such as defence, trade, and investment.
The Sri Lankan President is also set to attend a business event in Delhi to boost investment and trade ties between the two nations. Additionally, he will visit Bodh Gaya during his trip.
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FAQs
Q.1. What did Sri Lankan President Dissanayake assure India during his visit?
Ans. He assured India that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used to threaten India’s security.
Q.2. What areas of cooperation were discussed during Dissanayake’s visit?
Ans. Defense, trade, energy, and security were key areas of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Q.3. What is Sri Lanka’s stance on China’s influence in the region?
Ans. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with India amid concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
Q.4. What agreements were made during the talks between Dissanayake and Modi?
Ans. Both leaders discussed finalizing a defense cooperation agreement and enhancing energy ties, including electricity grid connectivity and petroleum pipelines.
Q.5. What is Dissanayake’s plan after his visit to India?
Ans. He plans to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and will also visit Bodh Gaya.
