PM Modi  honored with a guard of honour in Sri Lanka, defense agreement as a priority.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a ceremonial guard of honour in Sri Lanka, marking the start of his inaugural visit to the island nation during his third term. Both nations are anticipated to finalize significant agreements in defense, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade domains due to worries about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

This marks PM Modi’s initial trip following Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assuming office last year – and it is the first by any international leader since Dissanayake commenced his term in 2024. It also follows Dissanayake’s trip to India in December – his initial state visit since taking office.

On this visit, PM Modi will advance India’s efforts to assist Sri Lanka in recovering from the economic crisis that affected the island nation in 2022.

He is expected to finalize significant agreements such as the joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board for a 120-megawatt solar power facility in Trincomalee that will tackle the island nation’s rising energy demands. Trade, defense, and maritime security will additionally be discussed.

PM Modi’s trip occurs at a moment when Tamil Nadu has adopted a resolution to reclaim Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka – a sensitive matter for fishermen in the state because of the ongoing conflict regarding fishing rights surrounding the 285-acre island.