India-Sri Lanka set to sign agreement on defense cooperation

India and Sri Lanka have initiated discussions on a framework agreement on defence cooperation soon after Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to New Delhi from December 15-17, 2024.

After more than three months, the two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the island nation from April 4-6. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the information at a press conference on March 28. This is the "first time" the two sides have reached this agreement, Mr. Misri stated.

A new dimension

The Hindustan Times newspaper quoted sources as saying that Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit, following President Dissanayake's trip to New Delhi last December, will be an opportunity for the Indian government to strengthen ties in key areas, from defense and security to energy and infrastructure.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcome President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his visit to New Delhi, December 2024. (Source: PTI)

Since taking office in September 2024, President Dissanayake has chosen India as the first destination of his overseas trip. And now Prime Minister Modi will be the first foreign leader that Dissanayake will receive in his new position.

Also according to Hindustan Times , New Delhi's intervention in the civil war in Sri Lanka, in the form of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) deployed in the island nation from July 1987 to March 1990, had a negative impact on bilateral defense cooperation in the following years.

However, recent times have seen new dynamics in bilateral security relations. According to a joint statement issued after their talks in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake agreed that the security interests of the two countries are closely linked and said they would soon sign a defense cooperation agreement.

Additionally, the Indian side will provide defense platforms and equipment to enhance Sri Lanka's military capabilities and the two countries will enhance cooperation through joint exercises and maritime surveillance.

The two sides currently maintain an annual defense dialogue mechanism between defense ministers, naval interactions, Indian ship visits to Sri Lanka, as well as annual bilateral exercises between the navies and armies.

The new agreement will expand the scope of exchanges and exercises between the two neighbors, according to sources at the Hindustan Times . This increased cooperation is notable in the context of India's concerns about China's growing military presence in the Indian Ocean region, including the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan naval ship SLNS Sayura arrives at Visakhapatnam port to participate in the joint exercise between the Sri Lankan and Indian navies, December 17-20, 2024. (Source: The Hindu)

A trustworthy neighbor

On the economic front, the two sides are expected to finalize important agreements between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on debt restructuring and extension of the currency swap arrangement. A tripartite agreement between India, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the development of the Trincomalee oil storage facility is also expected to be announced during the visit.

There is also a memorandum of understanding on power grid connectivity between India and Sri Lanka and another agreement on digital public infrastructure.

Describing Sri Lanka as an integral part of India’s Neighborhood First policy, Mr. Misri noted that New Delhi has supported Colombo at crucial times in recent years, including the unprecedented economic crisis of 2022. India’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic stability and recovery reflects “its commitment as a reliable neighbor and first responder to crises in the region,” the diplomat stressed.

In addition, India was “the first to respond by extending $4.5 billion in assistance for 2022-2023”, and “played an important role in extending the necessary financial guarantees that allowed the International Monetary Fund to approve support measures for Sri Lanka”.

The recovery of Sri Lanka's economy provides an opportunity for both sides to explore new areas of cooperation and Prime Minister Modi's visit will focus on promoting investments and enhancing physical, energy and digital connectivity.

Another important issue that could come up for discussion during the visit, Mr. Misri added, is the arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan security forces for violating maritime boundaries. Mentioning the possibility of Prime Minister Modi raising issues related to the welfare of fishermen during his meeting with President Dissanayake, Mr. Misri added, India’s main message is to resolve the issue from a humanitarian perspective and avoid the use of force in any case.

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President Dissanayake's decision to choose India as the destination for his first foreign trip is significant given that his party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is known for its anti-India stance. During their talks, Dissanayake assured Modi that Colombo would not allow its territory to be used against New Delhi's interests.

More than three months later, Prime Minister Modi's presence in Colombo reaffirms New Delhi's strong commitment to its Neighbourhood First, Act East policies and the Indo-Pacific vision and MAHASAGAR (Inclusive and Mutually Beneficial Progress for Security and Growth across Regions).

Thailand hosts the 6th BIMSTEC Summit from April 2-4. (Source: Bangkok Post)

Sri Lanka is the second destination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this tour, after visiting Thailand and attending the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Thailand, the last being in November 2019, to attend the ASEAN Summit.

The most recent in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders was the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu (Nepal) in 2018. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Sri Lanka, took place virtually on March 22, 2022. The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was scheduled to take place in Bangkok from September 3-4, 2024, but the host country announced a postponement until a new government is formed.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/an-do-sri-lanka-chuan-bi-ky-thoa-thuan-ve-hop-tac-quoc-phong-309326.html