In a big statement during his maiden New Delhi visit as Sri Lankan President, Anura Kumara Disanayaka on Monday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the island nation will not let its territory be used in any manner inimical to the security of India.”
Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India. The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi.
Sri Lanka’s assurance to India of its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties comes amidst China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region as Beijing continues to intensify its “Mission Indian Ocean” strategy that raises strategic concerns for New Delhi.
China’s increasing foothold in Sri Lanka is highlighted by its takeover of the Hambantota Port after Colombo’s inability to repay Chinese loans. The port has since become a docking point for Chinese naval and surveillance ships, raising strategic alarms for New Delhi due to the port’s proximity to its southern coastline.
This is not the first time that Disanayaka has pledged to protect Sri Lankan territory from anti-India activities. In October, soon after taking oath as the President, Disanayaka told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo that “Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests”.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Anura Kumara Disanayaka engaged in an extensive dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment.
The Sri Lankan President is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya.
