India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held comprehensive discussions on 16 December 2024 in New Delhi, India, reaffirming the strong bilateral partnership between their nations, rooted in deep cultural ties and geographical proximity.  

Their meeting emphasized cooperation in various areas, including connectivity, energy, trade, and tourism. These reflect the comprehensive partnership between the two countries aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting economic growth.  

Energy  

• Development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub. Both countries are cooperating in the development of the Trincomalee Tank Farm
• Plans to implement the solar power project in Sampur, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, with potential for expansion
• Continue the discussion on proposed initiatives such as LNG supply from India to Sri Lanka, establish a high-capacity power grid interconnection, multi-product pipeline project involving India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, and sustainable joint development of offshore wind power in Palk Straits

Trade Relations 

• Acknowledgement of trade enhancement through the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA)
• Discussion to further enhance trade partnership by following up on progress of the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), enhancement of INR-LKR trade settlements, and encouraging investments in key Sri Lankan sectors with export potential.

Transport and Connectivity 

• Expressed satisfaction with the passenger ferry services that was recently resumed between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai 
• Discussed plans to restart the Rameshwaram-Talaimannar ferry service 
• Commitment to enhance aviation between the two countries by boosting air connectivity to various destinations, acknowledging the successful resumption of Chennai-Jaffna flights 
• Continuing ongoing discussions about Sri Lankan airport development
• Continue to explore plans for rehabilitation of Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai port with Indian grant assistance. 

 
Tourism Development 

• India remains Sri Lanka's largest source of tourism. In addition to plans to further improve air connectivity, both leaders reiterated their commitment to 
  • Promote Indian investments in Sri Lankan tourism infrastructure 
  • Develop a framework for religious and cultural tourism 
  • Promote academic linkages for cultural and linguistic ties

The meeting also highlighted their commitment to further strengthen and enhance regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. India also conveyed full support for Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship of the IORA.   
 
President Disanayaka expressed gratitude for India's support during Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis and sought continued assistance for his country's development goals. Prime Minister Modi assured India's full commitment to Sri Lanka's progress, emphasizing its importance in India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision. 
 
Both leaders acknowledged the deepening bilateral ties and their positive impact on Sri Lanka's socio-economic development, affirming their commitment to further enhance the relationship into a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership for the well-being of both nations' peoples. 
 
 
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News release