BS EDIT: Balancing acts: PM visit strengthens Sri Lankan ties

By Business StandardPublished On Apr 9, 2025

Strategic outreach

Modi’s Sri Lanka visit follows stops in Mauritius and Bimstec — signalling India’s Indian Ocean focus

MoUs and momentum

Seven MoUs and five projects were signed across defence, energy, and infrastructure

China in the background

India’s $4.5 bn aid counters China’s $3.7 bn refinery — Colombo walks a tightrope

Trincomalee pivot

India-UAE to develop Trincomalee port into an energy hub in Sri Lanka’s east

Maritime cooperation

Defence pact and research vessel ban show Colombo’s alignment with Indian security interests

Delivery matters

Symbolism aside, India’s influence depends on fast-tracking its long-delayed projects