New Delhi (AFP) – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chose India for his first overseas trip as head of state, reaffirming the close ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him with a red-carpet welcome and a military honor guard at the presidential palace, underscoring India’s strategic interest in its Indian Ocean neighbor.
Dissanayake, a leftist leader who assumed office in September on an anti-corruption platform, emphasized the significance of Indo-Sri Lankan relations in his foreign policy. “Prime Minister Modi has assured us of full support, and our discussions have set the stage for a stronger partnership,” he said. Modi echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the visit would “add new energy and speed” to bilateral ties.
The visit comes as New Delhi remains wary of China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka, a key player in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean. India is Sri Lanka’s top trading partner, with Indian exports totaling $4.1 billion compared to $1.4 billion in imports from Sri Lanka. New Delhi is also heavily invested in infrastructure projects on the island. However, China remains Colombo’s largest bilateral lender, and Dissanayake is expected to visit Beijing for talks in early 2025.
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, its worst in decades, left the country unable to pay for essential imports or service its $46 billion foreign debt. Dissanayake acknowledged India’s crucial assistance during this period. “We faced an unprecedented economic crisis, and India supported us immensely to emerge from that quagmire,” he said.
During his visit, Dissanayake held discussions with key Indian officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Topics ranged from economic cooperation and regional security to enhancing investment opportunities and boosting collaboration in tourism and energy. “These engagements reaffirm our commitment to deepening the partnership between our nations,” Dissanayake stated.
Sri Lanka’s strategic location on the world’s busiest shipping route, linking the Middle East and East Asia, makes it a pivotal player in regional security. India has been keen to solidify its influence, particularly as Sri Lanka moves forward with significant infrastructure projects.
One such project is the Adani Group’s port venture in Colombo, which Sri Lanka confirmed would proceed despite recent controversies. The Adani Group has faced U.S. charges alleging a bribery scheme, claims which the company has vehemently denied. The accusations caused Adani’s stock to plummet and raised questions about corporate governance. Despite the turbulence, the project is seen as a critical component of Indo-Sri Lankan economic ties.
Dissanayake’s visit to India underscores Sri Lanka’s efforts to balance its relationships with regional powerhouses while addressing domestic challenges. With productive discussions and reaffirmed commitments, the visit marks a promising step toward strengthening cooperation in key sectors and securing a stable future for the island nation.
