Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to travel to Sri Lanka and participate in the Bimstec Summit.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in early April 2023, several key agreements were signed that aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The agreements, which included defence cooperation, energy sector development, digitalisation, healthcare, and development assistance, reflect a strategic pivot by Sri Lanka towards deeper engagement with India.
Prime Minister Modi's visit also coincides with the Bimstec summit, scheduled to take place in Bangkok on April 2-4. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) regional grouping includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on regional cooperation and economic development.
In the energy sector, agreements were finalized to improve energy cooperation and potentially increase energy security for Sri Lanka. One such agreement is the planned construction of a 135 MW solar power plant in Sampur town of eastern Trincomalee district, Sri Lanka, which is expected to be opened during Modi's visit.
Defence cooperation was another focus area, with a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to enhance defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The digital sector also saw new agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in digital technologies and infrastructure.
In addition to these agreements, there is a possibility of a bilateral meeting between Modi and the head of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok. The PM's travel schedule is yet to be confirmed, and he may visit Sri Lanka either before or after the Bimstec summit.
Modi described physical, energy, and digital connectivity as important pillars in bilateral ties. He also announced a futuristic vision for the two nations, including investment-led growth and connectivity. India's financial aid to Sri Lanka was described as $5 billion, including both lines of credit (LoC) and grant assistance.
The Left-leaning Sri Lankan President visited New Delhi last December and held talks with PM Modi, resulting in increased cooperation in various fields. However, Sri Lanka's foreign policy remains neutral, as stated by Sri Lankan foreign minister Vijitha Herath, who emphasised that Sri Lanka will work to maintain national interest, in the context of Sri Lanka's ties with both India and China.
The Sampur solar power station in Sri Lanka is a testament to the growing energy cooperation between the two nations. As India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen their ties, the Bimstec summit promises to be a significant event in regional cooperation and economic development.
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