INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a substantial step towards boosting bilateral ties, India and Sri Lanka on Saturday signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement
following high-level talks in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.This marked the very
first time the 2 nations have formalised such a strategic partnership in defence.The historical pact belonged to a wider series of
agreements signed after the discussions, consisting of a key accord to develop Trincomalee as a local energy hub and a different agreement
to facilitate Indias multi-sectoral grant support to Sri Lankas eastern provinces.Additionally, PM Modi and President Dissanayake jointly
inaugurated the Sampur solar power project by means of video link, highlighting cooperation in renewable energy and sustainable
infrastructure.The talks followed PM Modis arrival in Colombo, a day after taking part in the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok
Modi got a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square an unusual honour scheduled for prominent leaders underlining the value Colombo
connects to its relationship with New Delhi.Independence Square, the website of Sri Lankas nationwide day celebrations and home to the
iconic Independence Memorial Hall, acted as the symbolic backdrop for this deepening strategic partnership in between the 2
neighbours.Source: India TV News-- Agencies
