 "It is for the first time that India and Sri Lanka have inked a major defence pact to institutionalise a framework for deeper engagement in the military domain.")
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, signed on Saturday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation, will remain valid for five years, according to Sri Lanka’s top defence official, Sampath Thuiyakontha.
Speaking at a press briefing, Defence Secretary Thuiyakontha noted that India trains approximately 750 Sri Lankan military personnel annually and described the defence partnership as a vital asset.
He said the decision to formalise the MoU was taken during the 2023 defence dialogue between the two countries, and the agreement received cabinet approval in January this year.
“As part of the cooperation under this MoU, both parties are committed to respecting each other’s military and national laws, as well as the principles and purposes of the UN Charter-including sovereign equality and non-intervention in internal affairs,” Thuiyakontha said.
He also noted that either party has the right to terminate the MoU by providing three months’ advance notice.
The defence cooperation MoU was one of seven agreements signed during PM Modi’s bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Defence Ministry Secretary Thuiyakontha signed it on behalf of Sri Lanka and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on behalf of India.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings before beginning the official discussions.PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square–the first time Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting foreign leader in this way. His last visit to Sri Lanka was in 2019.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDespite the rain, six senior Sri Lankan ministers received the Prime Minister at the airport on Friday. Later, he interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at his hotel and attended a traditional puppet performance.
With inputs from agencies