India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation on Saturday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Colombo. According to Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Sampath Thuiyakontha, the agreement will remain in effect for five years.
Addressing a press briefing, Thuiyakontha emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “India trains approximately 750 Sri Lankan military personnel annually,” and called the bilateral defence relationship a “vital asset.” He revealed that the decision to formalize the MoU was made during the 2023 defence dialogue between both nations and had received cabinet approval earlier in January.
Respect for Sovereignty and Laws
The MoU commits both countries to uphold each other’s military and national laws, alongside the principles of the United Nations Charter. “As part of the cooperation under this MoU, both parties are committed to respecting each other’s military and national laws, as well as the principles and purposes of the UN Charter—including sovereign equality and non-intervention in internal affairs,” Thuiyakontha said.
He also clarified that either party may terminate the agreement by providing a three-month advance notice.
Key Moment in Bilateral Talks
The MoU was one of seven agreements signed during PM Modi’s talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Thuiyakontha signed the document on behalf of Colombo, while Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented New Delhi.
Symbolic and Historic Visit
PM Modi held delegation-level discussions with President Dissanayake, following a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square—marking the first time Sri Lanka extended such an honour to a visiting foreign leader. Modi’s last visit to the island nation was in 2019.
Despite heavy rain, six senior Sri Lankan ministers received the Prime Minister at the airport. Later, Modi met with members of the Indian diaspora at his hotel and attended a traditional puppet show, highlighting the cultural connection between the two nations.
