India And Sri Lanka Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement, PM Modi Conferred With Highest Award Mitra Vibhushana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with Sri Lanka's highest civilian award given to a foreign head of state, Mitra Vibhushana, during his visit to the neighbouring country on Saturday (5 April).

A defence cooperation agreement was also signed between the two countries after PM Modi emphasised that the security of both countries is interlinked and dependent on each other, Indian Express reported.

"I am grateful to President Dissanayake for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements concluded in defence cooperation. We also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean," the PM was quoted as saying.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted 'to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.'

Pacts for import and export of power, sharing of successful digital solutions, health and medicine were signed and a special assistance package for the eastern provinces of Sri Lanka has been assured by India.

On the issue of Tamils, PM Modi said, "President Dissanayake told me about his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamils. And will fulfil its commitment to the full implementation of the Constitution in Sri Lanka, and to hold Provincial Council Elections."

"We agreed that we should move forward with a humanitarian approach in this matter. We also emphasised on the immediate release of fishermen and the return of their boats," Modi said on the issue of Indian fishermen being frequently arrested by Sri Lanka.