Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who is currently in New Delhi, assured PM Narendra Modi that he would not allow any anti-India activities from his nation.
"I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India," Disanayaka said after bilateral talks with the Modi.
"The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India," Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi.
"Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's assurance to India of its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties comes amidst China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region as Beijing continues to intensify its "Mission Indian Ocean" strategy that raises strategic concerns for New Delhi.
At the joint press conference, Modi said:
"We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to finalise the Defence Cooperation Agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security and development.
Under this, cooperation will be enhanced on topics like maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, fight against smuggling and organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The people-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka are linked to our civilisations."
China's increasing foothold in Sri Lanka is highlighted by its takeover of the Hambantota Port after Colombo's inability to repay Chinese loans.
The port has since become a docking point for Chinese naval and surveillance ships, raising strategic alarms for New Delhi due to the port's proximity to its southern coastline.
In October, soon after taking oath as the President, Disanayaka told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo that "Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India's security interests".
The Sri Lankan President is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya.
ends
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