Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to visit Sri Lanka on 5 April 2025 in a major diplomatic opening for the two South Asian nations. The news has been revealed by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday during a session of the parliament, as reported by local media.
The visit is believed to center on energy cooperation, and implementation of agreements that were concluded during President Dissanayake’s visit to New Delhi in the past year. The most significant aspect of the visit would be the inauguration of Sampur Solar Power Plant project in Trincomalee, a joint project of India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The project, initially with 50, then up to 70 MW, leaves behind the proposed coal fired project at the same site.
President of Sri Lanka assured the Parliament that the country’s territory will not be used against India with this vowing Colombo’s pledged to maintain regional stability in time of shifting geopolitics circumstances.
Mr. Modi’s visit also follows only a week after Sri Lanka finalized a $2.5 billion debt restructuring deal with Japan , a vital move in addressing the island nation’s on-going economic woes.
The Indian Prime Minister’s visit is seen by observers as part of New Delhi’s overall strategy to extend its influence in the Indian Ocean region and check Beijing’s growing economic footprint in Sri Lanka.