India–Sri Lanka Relations: Foreign Secretary’s Visit

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri paid an official visit to Sri Lanka. It was his first stand-alone visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Secretary.

Reconstruction and Development

Both sides reviewed progress under the USD 450 million reconstruction package announced following Cyclone Ditwah.
Agreements were exchanged for two INR-denominated Lines of Credit: USD 250 million for railway projects, USD 100 million for livestock and other priority requirements.
Reconstruction of damaged houses and construction of permanent bridges under a USD 100 million grant are expected to begin shortly.
India is also supporting the supply of medical equipment, medical kiosks and educational equipment.
Work on the Northern Railway corridor, supported by a USD 5 million grant, has been completed and train services have resumed.

Both sides discussed expediting major energy projects, including: Electricity Grid Interconnection, Sampur Solar Power Project
Development of Trincomalee as an energy hub
India and Sri Lanka agreed to expedite the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project.
Discussions will begin on an MoU for the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kankesanthurai Harbour, supported by a USD 61.5 million Indian grant.
Both sides also agreed to work towards expanding the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service.

India and Sri Lanka agreed to take forward negotiations to update the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Negotiations on the India–Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement have been successfully concluded, with signing expected after completion of internal procedures.
India’s capacity-building initiative has benefited more than 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals across different sectors during its first year.

India urged Sri Lanka to accelerate implementation of projects for the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community.
This includes the construction of 10,000 houses for IOTs, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 visit to Sri Lanka.
India also called for the early conduct of Provincial Council elections and full implementation of Sri Lanka’s constitutional provisions to address the aspirations of the Tamil community.

The issue of Indian fishermen and detained fishing boats was also discussed.
India sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation for their early release.
India emphasised that a humanitarian approach, considering the livelihood concerns of fishermen, should guide the resolution of the issue.

Sri Lanka is strategically important for India because of its location in the Indian Ocean and its relevance to India’s maritime security and regional connectivity.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka had earlier assured that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted to be used in any manner inimical to India’s security.
The visit reinforces India’s efforts to strengthen a comprehensive development and strategic partnership with Sri Lanka based on mutual security, economic growth and regional stability.

Strengthens India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy as well as Vision MAHASAGAR.
Positions India as a key external player in post-war Sri Lanka.
Facilitates greater cooperation on energy, rail, ports and digital connectivity.
Offers to address the welfare and developmental needs of the Tamil and Indian-Origin Tamil communities.
Manages sensitivities over fishermen and maritime security.
Provides strategic outreach and deeper engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.

Location: A narrow strait separating Tamil Nadu (India) from the Mannar District of Sri Lanka's Northern Province, connecting the Bay of Bengal (northeast) with the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (southwest).
Width: Approximately 64–137 km wide at different points (one of the narrower international maritime boundaries in the world).
Named after: Robert Palk, a former British Governor of Madras (18th century).