📈 India Desk Launch & FTA Review Signal Reset in Sri Lanka-India Ties

Sri Lanka is planning a major shift in economic engagement with India, moving beyond traditional trade toward deeper integration in investment, technology, and digital commerce. • Overall Trade Figures: Bilateral trade has reached nearly US$ 5.8 Bn. Sri Lankan exports to India surpassed US$ 1 Bn for the first time in 2025, while imports from India climbed to US$ 4.3 Bn, underscoring a long-standing trade imbalance. • Investment Landscape: Cumulative Indian investments have exceeded US$ 2.5 Bn across key national sectors, including energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, tourism, and infrastructure. • FTA Review & Policy: A comprehensive review of the 25-year-old India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA) by a Cabinet-appointed high-level committee is nearing completion, with recommendations expected in July 2026. • Sector & Market Diversification: Experts emphasize that Sri Lankan businesses must treat India as multiple distinct regional markets rather than a single entity. Strategic growth and technical partnership opportunities are opening up across apparel, ICT, food processing, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and electronics. • The India Trade Desk: Launched by the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI) and the Indian High Commission, this dedicated desk will help Sri Lankan companies and SMEs navigate India's business landscape by providing market intelligence, partner identification, and investment guidance.