Sat Apr 05 08:55:00 UTC 2025: ## Modi’s Sri Lanka Visit Yields Major Defence Pact and Renewed Cooperation
**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a landmark visit to Sri Lanka today, resulting in the signing of a historic defence cooperation pact – the first ever between the two nations. The agreement, reached following talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marks a significant strengthening of bilateral ties.
The visit also saw the signing of several other agreements, including one to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub and another providing multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region. Furthermore, Modi and Dissanayake virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project.
Modi received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square, a testament to the significance of the visit. President Dissanayake further honoured Modi with the “Mitra Vibhushana,” Sri Lanka’s highest award for a foreign head of state, citing Modi’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.
The visit comes as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from a severe economic crisis, during which India provided substantial financial aid. Addressing concerns of Tamil Nadu fishermen, Modi announced that Sri Lanka agreed to immediately release any detained Indian fishermen and return their boats, a move that should alleviate tensions over long-standing fishing rights disputes. This announcement follows a recent Tamil Nadu resolution seeking the retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka. The agreements announced today aim to further foster cooperation and mutual prosperity between the two nations.
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