Defence Minister Visit to Srilanka

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• India and Sri Lanka have inked three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on defence equipment and training.

About

• The Defence Minister visit to Sri Lanka is the first by an Indian Defence Minister to Sri Lanka in nearly 40 years.
• The MoUs signed are pertaining to the upgradation of L70 Guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps and the National Defence Colleges of the two countries.

India and Sri Lanka Relations

• Diplomatic Ties: Diplomatic relations were established in 1948 after Sri Lanka’s independence.
• Trade Relations: India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) in 2000 contributed significantly towards the expansion of trade between the two countries.
  • India has traditionally been among Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners and Sri Lanka remains among the largest trade partners of India in the SAARC.
  • India is also one of the largest contributors to Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka. 
  • The merchandise trade amounted to USD 7.18 billion in FY 2025-26, with India’s exports at USD 5.52 billion and Sri Lanka’s exports at USD 1.66 billion. 
  • The negotiations for finalization of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) covering both goods and services was resumed after 5 years in 2023.
• Cultural relations: The Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977 forms the basis for periodic Cultural Exchange Programmes between the two countries.
• Tourism: India has traditionally been Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourism market, followed by China.
  • In 2025 India accounted for around 5.31 lakh arrivals (22.5% of Sri Lanka’s tourist traffic).
• Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation: In 2011, a decision was taken to establish the Colombo Security Conclave which aims to further promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • India and Sri Lanka conduct a joint Military exercise named  ‘Mitra Shakti’, Trilateral Maritime Exercise “Dosti”, and a Naval exercise named SLINEX.  
• Connectivity Projects: Recently, the two sides adopted a vision document to enhance maritime, energy and people to people connectivity. 
  • There are plans to develop a land bridge between the two countries to provide India with land access to the ports of Trincomalee and Colombo to boost economic growth.
  • Important projects under this mechanism include commencement of ferry services between Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka. 
  • In order to develop Kankesanthurai port, GoI has extended a grant of USD 65 million to GoSL. 
• Multilateral Forum Collaboration: India and Sri Lanka are member nations of several regional and multilateral organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, South Asian Economic Union and BIMSTEC, working to enhance cultural and commercial ties.

Areas of Concern

• The Fishermen Issue: Sri Lanka’s proximity to Indian territorial waters has often blurred the line for fishermen on both sides in pursuit of fish stock.
  • Since 2016, a Joint Working Group on Fisheries (JWG) mechanism has been in place to address the immediate concerns of fishermen of both sides and to find a permanent solution to the issue.
• Rise of China: China’s increasing strategic investments in vital maritime ports in the IOR  has been an area of concern.
  • There is a lack of transparency in implementation of projects and possible military use of ports by China.
• Maritime Security Concerns: Piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling in the Palk Strait and surrounding waters.
  • Need for constant coordination on maritime borders to prevent incidents.
• Domestic Instability in Sri Lanka: Political unrest or changes in government affect continuity of agreements and development projects.
  • Delays in infrastructure or economic projects due to internal instability.

Way Ahead

• India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties, reinforced by trade, defence, and development cooperation. 
• While challenges such as Chinese influence, and economic instability persist.
• Enhanced economic and maritime collaboration, and strong people-to-people ties can ensure a resilient, mutually beneficial, and strategically vital partnership in the Indian Ocean.

Source: TH