India and Sri Lanka have agreed to accelerate discussions on revising the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) while also welcoming the successful conclusion of discussions on a bilateral Social Security Agreement, which is expected to be signed shortly, as per The Economic Times news report.
The decisions were taken during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's official visit to Sri Lanka, where he held meetings with the country's top leadership and reviewed the progress of bilateral initiatives.
During his first standalone visit as Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri met President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja.
He also met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and held separate discussions with representatives of the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) communities.
Both countries appreciated the progress of reconstruction projects supported through India's $450 million assistance package announced after Cyclone Ditwah.
They also signed agreements for two Indian Rupee Lines of Credit worth $350 million, including $250 million for railway projects and $100 million for livestock and other priority sectors. In addition, reconstruction of damaged houses and permanent bridges under a $100 million Indian grant will begin shortly.
The two sides agreed to fast-track major projects including the electricity grid interconnection, Sampur Solar Power Project and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
They also decided to expedite the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project and begin discussions on an MoU to rehabilitate and modernise Kankesanthurai Harbour under a $61.5 million grant from India.
Discussions covered healthcare, education and disaster management, including support for Deniyaya Hospital, medical kiosks, educational tools and a national disaster warning system.
India also highlighted the restored Northern Railway corridor, expansion of the Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service and capacity-building programmes benefiting over 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals.
Misri raised concerns relating to detained Indian fishermen and called for the early release of both fishermen and their vessels while advocating a humanitarian approach to resolving the issue.
He also urged Sri Lanka to hold Provincial Council elections at the earliest and fully implement constitutional measures reflecting the aspirations of the Tamil community.
Read More: Indian Railways Eases Rules for Container Train Operators, Introduces Single All-India Licence!
The visit reaffirmed both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing commitments made under the December 2024 Joint Statement and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2025 Sri Lanka visit.
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Published on: Aug 6, 2026, 2:55 PM IST
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