📈 President Dissanayake and PM Modi Strengthen Indo–Lanka Strategic Ties

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Indian PM Narendra Modi today at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, during the AI Impact 2026 Summit. The discussions centered on transitioning the bilateral relationship from emergency assistance toward long-term economic and technological integration. • Economic & Trade Cooperation Talks focused on enhancing bilateral trade (valued at ~US$ 5.5 Bn in FY 2023-24) and finalizing a proposed FTA in services to boost the ICT/BPM and tourism sectors. Priority areas identified for investment include energy (grid interconnection), infrastructure, and the blue economy. India remains the largest source market for tourism, contributing over 20% of total arrivals. • Disaster Recovery & Support President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's US$ 450 Mn assistance package following Cyclone Ditwah. Support includes US$ 350 Mn in concessional credit lines (in Indian Rupees) and US$ 100 Mn in grants for restoring transportation and housing. • Strategic Digital Integration Both leaders explored collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Sri Lanka's digital identity project currently in the tendering phase. _Note: Trade figures and recovery costs are based on provisional 2025/26 data._