India and Sri Lanka decided to accelerate talks on revising the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and appreciated the successful finalization of discussions regarding a bilateral Social Security Agreement, anticipated to be signed shortly, during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's official trip to Sri Lanka.
Misri, during his initial solo visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Secretary, met with President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja.
Also Read: Saudi-led Consortium Finalizes $55 Billion Deal of EA
He additionally met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and conducted individual talks with leaders from the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) communities.
The two parties assessed advancements on various bilateral initiatives and reiterated India's dedication to enhancing relations through its "Neighbourhood First" strategy and Vision MAHASAGAR. They voiced contentment regarding the execution of rebuilding projects financed by India's USD 450 million aid package revealed after Cyclone Ditwah.
Significant developments included the signing of agreements for two Lines of Credit in Indian Rupees totaling USD 350 million—USD 250 million allocated for railway initiatives and USD 100 million for livestock and other essential sectors. Both nations also verified that the rebuilding of damaged homes and permanent bridges funded by a USD 100 million grant will commence soon.
Also Read: Thai NA President Arrives in Ha Noi for Official Visit
The conversations included ongoing collaboration in health, education, and disaster management, such as providing medical equipment for Deniyaya Hospital, medical kiosks, educational tools, and the planned rollout of a national disaster warning system. The restoration of the Northern Railway corridor, financed by a USD 5 million grant from India, has been finished, enabling the resumption of train operations.
Both parties consented to accelerate numerous significant infrastructure and energy initiatives, such as the interconnection of the electricity grid, the Sampur Solar Power Project, and the establishment of Trincomalee as an energy center.
They committed to expedite the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project and initiate talks on a MoU for the rehabilitation and modernization of Kankesanthurai Harbour under a USD 61.5 million grant from India.
India reiterated its backing for the expansion of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service and highlighted that over 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals have benefited from the capacity-building initiatives started last year.
Also Read: Hana Financial Group Boosts Financial Inclusion Push
The Foreign Secretary also addressed concerns involving fishermen, advocating for the prompt release of detained Indian fishermen and vessels while emphasizing a humanitarian approach to settling the issue. He also urged Sri Lanka to conduct Provincial Council elections as soon as possible and to fully carry out constitutional measures that reflect the hopes of the Tamil community.
The trip reinforced India's dedication to executing the results of the December 2024 Joint Statement released during President Anura Kumara Disanayaka's trip to India, along with the agreements made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka.