Colombo: For the first time, India and Sri Lanka on Saturday inked an ambitious defence cooperation pact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining a broader roadmap for deeper bilateral cooperation, asserting that the security of both nations is interlinked and dependent on each other.
The defence pact is among seven key agreements signed by the two sides following wide-ranging talks between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The defence pact, being seen as a major move to bolster strategic ties, came nearly four decades after the Indian Peace Keeping Force’s intervention in the island nation.
Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka to develop its economy have raised concerns ranging from sovereignty and security issues.
PM Modi landed in Sri Lanka’s Colombo on Friday evening to a warm reception and was greeted at Bandaranaike International Airport by five top Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
On Saturday morning, he also received a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square, where he was received by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
