Sri Lankan President Dissanayake begins India visit with talks on trade, security

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka held discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Sunday (December 15), marking the start of his three-day visit to India.

Dissanayaka’s visit, his first foreign trip since taking office, is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and maritime security. He is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 16).

“Held fruitful discussions tonight with @DrSJaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on matters of mutual interest,” Disanayaka said in a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter. While no official details were provided, the discussions reportedly covered bilateral ties and expanding strategic cooperation between neighbours.

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During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister @nsitharaman, External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka… pic.twitter.com/A5mkZ4TS1D

— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 15, 2024

Strengthening ties

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as an opportunity to deepen the relationship between India and Sri Lanka, New Delhi’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean. The ministry said the two nations’ developments are “intertwined” and stressed the importance of working together while respecting each other’s security interests and sensitivities.

Dissanayaka was welcomed at the Delhi airport by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the visit a chance to “add momentum to the people-centric partnership.”

In addition to meeting PM Modi, Dissanayaka will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu, attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment, and visit Bodh Gaya.

Tamil aspirations and economic support

During the talks, India is expected to convey its expectations for Sri Lanka to address the aspirations of its Tamil community by implementing the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power to Tamil-majority areas. The amendment was introduced following the 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement.

India is also likely to reaffirm its commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in strengthening its economy, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Maritime security and strategic concerns

Maritime security cooperation is expected to feature prominently during the discussions, as India continues to strengthen its defense ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.

The docking of Chinese military vessels, including a missile and satellite tracking ship at Hambantota port in 2022 and a warship at Colombo port in 2023, has raised tensions in the region.

India has responded by supporting Sri Lanka’s defense forces with capacity-building initiatives, including the provision of indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels.