India and Sri Lanka set to sign defence pact amid China’s rising regional clout

Both sides are also expected to sign agreements on the development of solar power plants and trade cooperation in several sectors

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Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (right) and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for photos ahead of their meeting in New Delhi in December. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00am, 3 Apr 2025Updated: 8:22am, 3 Apr 2025

The visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka is seen as another step by New Delhi to counter China’s rising influence and presence on the island nation, with observers citing a landmark defence pact to be signed by the South Asian neighbours.

New Delhi and Colombo will finalise key agreements such as the set-up of solar-power plants during Modi’s trip over the weekend, following up on talks that began when Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited India in December.

Both countries will also strengthen bilateral trade, focusing on textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, as well as sign a defence deal, according to Indian media reports.

Analysts said the defence deal was set to be one of the most significant milestones in relations between New Delhi and Colombo in recent years, with both sides expected to increase military cooperation through joint maritime surveillance, exercises and equipment support.

Modi will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by Dissanayake who was sworn into office last September.

Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Centre’s South Asia Institute, said the visit came amid growing competition between India and China to forge closer ties with the littoral states of South Asia, including Sri Lanka.