After BIMSTEC, PM Modi to head to Sri Lanka next week; defence pact, fishermen’s arrest on agenda

In Sri Lanka, on the three days of the PM’s visit, several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, \including one on defence cooperation. This will be the PM’s first visit to the island nation since its President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office last year, also being the first foreign leader being hosted by the new regime in Colombo. During the three-day visit, Modi is expected to express his concern on the issue of Indian fishermen held by the Lankan authorities, according to officials. As per government data, Sri Lanka arrested more than 528 Indian fishermen in 2024.

PM Modi — who is expected to be accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri — will hold bilateral talks with President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The PM and Disanayake are scheduled to review the progress made on areas of cooperation agreed upon in the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”. This joint vision was adopted during Dissanayake’s state visit to India immediately after assuming office last year.

The PM will then travel to Anuradhapura, which lies over 200 km north of Colombo, to inaugurate development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance. In a statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism said, “While in Sri Lanka, the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Anuradhapura to pay homage to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.”

In a statement, the MEA noted that PM Modi’s visit to Thailand, Sri Lanka, and his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit will reaffirm India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies.

Analysing damage reports: Misri

Hours after the earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, PM Modi expressed concern and offered India’s full support to the affected countries. “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, we asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he posted on X.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters that India was analysing damage reports, primarily in Myanmar, and was in touch with local authorities to assess the exact requirements for assistance and relief material.

Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said the BIMSTEC region was susceptible to extreme weather events and natural disasters, making collaboration in disaster management a priority area for India.

In Thailand on April 3-4, apart from the summit, the PM is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. “The Prime Minister is also expected to have an audience with His Majesty King Rama 10, and Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand,” Misri said.

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is scheduled to begin in Bangkok on April 4. The BIMSTEC Chair, currently held by Thailand, will go to Bangladesh after this. This will be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th Summit held in Kathmandu in 2018. Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus is attending the event, even as there is no confirmation yet om hid meeting with Modi.