Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to visit India from December 15 to 17, 2024, marking his first official trip to the country since taking office. The visit holds significant importance as it follows the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka.
Key Meetings to Bolster Bilateral Relations
During his visit, President Dissanayake will engage in high-level discussions with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these meetings will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, ranging from regional development to international collaboration.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed that the Sri Lankan leader would attend a business event in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing trade and economic partnerships. Additionally, he will visit the historic and spiritual site of Bodh Gaya, underscoring the cultural and religious ties shared by the two nations.
A Strategic Partnership in the Indian Ocean
This visit comes at a time when India and Sri Lanka are deepening their strategic partnership. Sri Lanka, strategically positioned as India’s closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), holds a key role in advancing Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives of “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the “Neighbourhood First” policy, which aim to foster regional security, development, and cooperative growth. The MEA has emphasized Sri Lanka's critical position in regional security and development initiatives.
In October, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Colombo to meet President Dissanayake. Their discussions revolved around enhancing bilateral relations, with Jaishankar conveying warm wishes from Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu. This meeting highlighted India’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation for mutual benefit.
Strengthening Ties Under New Leadership
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Dissanayake on his electoral victory, reaffirming India’s support for Sri Lanka. Modi's message emphasized strengthening ties under the frameworks of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the “SAGAR” vision.
President Dissanayake, a prominent left-wing leader from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party, secured his presidency in a tightly contested election. His upcoming visit is expected to reinvigorate economic, political, and cultural exchanges between the two nations, further solidifying their long-standing relationship.
Enhanced Prospects for Cooperation
The visit reflects growing optimism about the future of India-Sri Lanka relations. It presents an opportunity for both nations to collaborate more closely on regional security, economic growth, and cultural exchange, strengthening their roles as key partners in South Asia.