Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka over the weekend where he signed a raft of defense and energy agreements to boost relations between the two countries.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake rolled out the red carpet for the Indian premier and conferred on him the "Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana," the nation's highest award presented to a foreign leader.

Indian experts and diplomats see Modi's visit as a move to counter China's expanding presence and influence in South Asia.

"Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is a vivid demonstrator of India’s 'Neighborhood First' policy, where India extends asymmetric benefits to its neighbors, expecting reasonable assurances on security," Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian diplomat, told DW.

During the trip, Modi said, "We believe that our security interests are aligned. Our security is interdependent and interconnected."

Dissanayake said he had assured the Indian prime minister that Sri Lankan territory "will not be allowed to be used by anyone to undermine India's security."

Dissanayake came to power in Sri Lanka in September 2024 and made his first overseas visit to New Delhi in December. Then, he followed that up with a visit to China in January 2025, underscoring

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