On the fringes of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka. The two leaders reviewed the growing scope of their bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to connectivity, technology-driven development, and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
President Dissanayake made his second trip to India since taking office to attend the AI Impact Summit held there. His most recent tour, a State tour in December 2024, highlighted the increasing vigor of high-level discussions between the two neighbors.

The two leaders evaluated the status of important bilateral projects that have emerged from recent visits, including as Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. They emphasized how crucial it is to speed up collaboration in the three main areas of physical, digital, and energy connectivity, which are now crucial to India-Sri Lanka relations.
In addition to acknowledging the transformative power of technology, PM Modi and Dissanayake discussed potential areas of convergence in the application of AI for development. Both leaders concurred that, when used properly, AI can promote inclusive growth, enhance service delivery, and further developmental objectives, especially in poor nations.

The topic of India's crisis aid to Sri Lanka occupied a large portion of the conversations. Following Cyclone Ditwah, which left parts of the island nation severely damaged, President Dissanayake thanked India for its prompt and unwavering assistance. Under "Operation Sagar Bandhu," India, Sri Lanka's first responder, sent emergency relief supplies in a hurry and assisted with search and rescue efforts.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the advancements made under India's continued assistance package of USD 450 million for rebuilding and rehabilitation activities. New Delhi's ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka's long-term recovery and economic resilience is reflected in the package, which aims to restore vital infrastructure and livelihoods.

In addition to their strategic and economic collaboration, PM Modi and Dissanayake emphasized the two nations' longstanding cultural and civilizational bonds. The leaders praised the successful conclusion of the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka and emphasized that the partnership between India and Sri Lanka is strengthened by people-to-people connections and common heritage. They pointed out that these kinds of cross-cultural interactions foster goodwill and understanding at the local level.
Both presidents committed to collaborating closely in the future to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in ways that meet Sri Lanka's needs for sustainable development and promote peace and stability in the larger Indian Ocean region. They emphasized that in addition to helping the two nations, increased connectivity, development cooperation, and technical cooperation will also boost regional security and prosperity.

In addition to reiterating Colombo and New Delhi's intention to develop a forward-thinking, resilient, and people-centric bilateral relationship, the meeting held on the fringes of the AI Impact Summit underscored India's twin position as a reliable regional partner and a technological convenor.