PM Modi's Sri Lanka Visit Focuses On Energy And Defense Ties

After attending the BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is headed to Sri Lanka for a three-day state visit at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake. Modi is the first world leader to be hosted by President Dissanayake since he took office. This will be Modi's fourth visit to Sri Lanka as Prime Minister. Earlier, President Disanayake had made India his first foreign visit after taking office. India and Sri Lanka share deep historical and cultural ties, making Sri Lanka an integral part of India's Neighbourhood First policy. Key agreements are expected in sectors like energy, digitalisation, and security, with India also pushing for a defence cooperation deal. Talks will include India's plans to supply LNG and develop a regional energy hub in Trincomalee, where it competes with China's Sinopec, which is investing $3.2 billion in an oil refinery in Hambantota. The visit is expected to focus on trade, energy cooperation, and regional security. NDTV's Gaurie Dwivedi brings you more.