Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Sri Lanka and Thailand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from April 4-6, following his attendance at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. This will be his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.
Focus on Regional Cooperation
Despite a recent powerful earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, the summit is expected to proceed as planned. The Indian government reiterated its commitment to regional cooperation in disaster management.
Key Objectives and Agendas
- Several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during the Sri Lanka visit, including one on defence cooperation.
- This visit marks the first foreign leader hosted by Sri Lanka's new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- Modi will address the issue of Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities, with over 528 cases in 2024.
- Modi will be accompanied by key officials including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
- The visit includes bilateral talks with Sri Lankan leaders and reviewing cooperation progress under the "Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future".
Planned Activities in Sri Lanka
Modi is scheduled to inaugurate development projects in Anuradhapura, undertaken with Indian financial assistance. He will also pay homage to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi.
Commitment to Policies
The visit underscores India's commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies.
Response to Natural Disasters
- Post-earthquake, India has offered support to Myanmar and Thailand, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in touch with local authorities for assistance.
- Collaboration in disaster management is a priority as the BIMSTEC region is prone to extreme weather events.
Meetings and Diplomacy in Thailand
- The BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok is scheduled for April 4, with Modi expected to hold bilateral meetings with Thai leaders and potentially meet the monarchs.
- This summit will be the first physical meeting since the 4th Summit in 2018, with Bangladesh set to take over the BIMSTEC Chair from Thailand.