Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day official visit, his first since taking office in September. The visit will involve talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues, including trade, investment, energy, and maritime security.
A key topic of discussion is expected to be Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of the Tamil community, a long-standing concern for India. New Delhi is likely to reiterate its expectations for Colombo to make progress on this front.
President Disanayaka was greeted at the Delhi airport by Union Minister L. Murugan. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit would provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties. During his stay, the Sri Lankan president will also meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, attend a business event in Delhi to foster investment ties, and visit Bodh Gaya.
Sri Lanka plays a significant role in India’s regional strategy, particularly under the “Neighbourhood First” policy and Prime Minister Modi’s “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. The visit will likely focus heavily on maritime security, an area of increasing importance given the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region.
In recent years, China’s presence in Sri Lanka has raised concerns in India, particularly following the docking of Chinese military vessels at Sri Lankan ports. In response, India has been strengthening its defense ties with Sri Lanka, including providing Offshore Patrol Vessels to enhance its maritime security.
The visit underscores the broader strategic and security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
(With PTI Inputs)
