Indian PM Narendra Modi began an important two-day state tour to Sri Lanka today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's first foreign chief visitor since becoming leader in September. PM Modi, who was given a welcome from senior Sri Lankan cabinet ministers, received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in the capital of Colombo

The visit is set to deepen bilateral relations, with the two countries set to announce about ten landmark agreements across defense, energy security, and digitalization. Of particular note is the expected signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, to institutionalize bilateral exercises, training, high-level exchanges, and possibly drive collaboration in defense industries.

In the field of energy, talks cover a plan for India to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Sri Lanka and build a regional energy hub at Trincomalee, including a potential collaborative oil refinery venture.In addition, PM Modi will also digitally inaugurate a 120-megawatt solar power facility in Sri Lanka's eastern province as part of the island country's shift toward renewable energy amid its 2022 power crisis.

The visit is aimed at underscoring India's determination in supporting Sri Lanka's economic recovery and showcases New Delhi's strategic desire to boost relations in the wake of growing regional impulses.