Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on Saturday morning as he arrived in Sri Lanka for his first official visit during his third term in office. His trip is expected to mark a significant chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, with both nations poised to sign a series of strategic agreements in sectors such as defence, energy, health, digital infrastructure, and trade.

This is the first visit by PM Modi to Sri Lanka since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in 2024 — and notably, Modi is the first foreign leader to visit since Dissanayake’s inauguration. The visit reciprocates Dissanayake’s trip to India in December, which marked his first overseas visit as head of state.

India has played a key role in supporting Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery after the island was rocked by a severe economic meltdown in 2022. PM Modi’s current trip will reinforce India’s commitment to aid its neighbour’s path to stability and development.

Among the expected highlights is a landmark energy deal involving India’s NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board. The joint project proposes a 120-megawatt solar power facility in Trincomalee — a step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy security and diversifying its power mix.

Maritime cooperation and defence ties are also central to the discussions, especially amid growing concerns about China’s deepening influence in the Indian Ocean region. India and Sri Lanka are likely to ink a significant defence agreement today, which would signal a deepening of strategic cooperation in areas such as joint surveillance, military exercises, and logistical support. If concluded, this deal would mark the most meaningful upgrade in bilateral defence ties since the Indian Peacekeeping Force withdrew from Sri Lanka over three decades ago.

PM Modi's visit also comes amid renewed political attention in India on the Katchatheevu island issue — an area long disputed between Tamil Nadu fishermen and Sri Lankan authorities. The Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding the retrieval of the island from Sri Lanka, bringing new focus to cross-border fishing tensions.

On his previous visit, President Dissanayake had acknowledged India’s vital role in helping Sri Lanka manage its financial crisis — particularly highlighting India’s support in securing a $2.9 billion IMF bailout package in 2022. His assurance last year that Sri Lankan territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests was warmly received by New Delhi, given Sri Lanka’s key geostrategic position in the Indian Ocean.

Today’s itinerary began with PM Modi receiving ceremonial honours at 9:10 a.m. This was followed by a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders at 10:20 a.m., and then delegation-level talks at 11:00 a.m. By 11:30 a.m., both sides are expected to sign a series of agreements and virtually inaugurate joint development projects across Sri Lanka.

Later in the afternoon, PM Modi will lay a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial in Colombo. He is also scheduled to meet Sri Lankan dignitaries at the Taj Samudra Hotel. The day will conclude with a state banquet hosted by President Dissanayake at 7:30 p.m.