'Won't let anyone threaten India's security': Sri Lankan president's promise to PM Modi

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka is on a three-day visit to India till December 17.

Published on: Dec 16, 2024, 21:35:10 IST

By HT News Desk

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In a powerful display of commitment to defence cooperation, Sri Lanka on Monday officially assured New Delhi that it will not permit any force to use its territory to “threaten India's security” in any manner.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (REUTERS)

This pledge was reiterated by newly elected Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Disanayaka in a joint statement, solidifying the ties between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan leader is on a three-day visit to New Delhi till December 17.

READ | ‘Helped us immensely’: Sri Lankan President Dissanayake thanks India for $5 billion economic support

“The cooperation with India will certainly flourish and I want to reassure our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said at a press briefing attended by both leaders.

Sri Lanka's statement holds great significance as it comes against the backdrop of China’s aggressive "Mission Indian Ocean," which directly targets Indian interests after the situation became extremely sensitive following China’s takeover of Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port due to Colombo's failure to repay debts.

Chinese naval surveillance and spy ships, particularly the 25,000-ton Yuan Wang 5, have been docking at Hambantota, raising alarms for New Delhi given Sri Lanka's proximity.

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India raised concerns regarding the presence of Chinese vessels in the region in August 2022 following which Sri Lanka initially requested Beijing to postpone the arrival of these ships. However, the Chinese vessel was later permitted to dock triggering an increased Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

India has been expanding its economic and defence ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s growing hold on the island nation.

PM Modi holds talks with Sri Lankan President

Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi held talks with Disanayaka to discuss a range of issues including border security, China's growing presence in the Pacific region, and more.

Modi said India and Sri Lanka will establish electricity grid connectivity and a multi-product petroleum pipeline that will further boost investment and commercial links between the nations.

Sri Lanka is emerging from its worst economic crisis in decades, which led to political upheaval and finally paved the way for Dissanayake’s party to win power.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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