India, Sri Lanka sign 1st defence deal, six other pacts during Modi’s visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour in Sri Lanka on Saturday as he kicked off his first visit to the island nation in his third term. Both countries have signed seven Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health and trade sectors amid concerns over China’s expanding its influence across the Indian Ocean region.

PM Modi was also honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award, Mithra Vibhushana, for his exceptional efforts in bolstering the ties between the two nations and highlighting the spiritual and cultural heritage of both countries.

This is PM Modi’s first visit since Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took charge last year – and the first by any foreign leader since Dissanayake began his term in 2024. It also comes after Dissanayake’s visit to India in December – his first state visit since assuming office.

PM Modi’s visit comes at a time when Tamil Nadu has passed a resolution to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka – an emotive issue for fishermen in the state due to the long-standing dispute over fishing rights around the 285-acre island.