PM Modi, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Meet at AI Summit, Reaffirm Connectivity and Tech Partnership

PM Modi, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Meet at AI Summit, Reaffirm Connectivity and Tech Partnership

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underlining the steady momentum in India–Sri Lanka relations and reaffirming a shared commitment to connectivity, technology-driven development, and regional stability.

President Dissanayake’s visit, his second to India since assuming office, comes amid a renewed push to deepen bilateral cooperation. The leaders reviewed progress on key initiatives and stressed the importance of advancing collaboration across physical, digital, and energy connectivity — pillars that have increasingly defined engagement between the two neighbours.

Recognising the transformative potential of emerging technologies, the two leaders exchanged views on leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive development. They agreed that responsible deployment of AI can strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and unlock new growth opportunities, particularly for developing economies.

A significant part of the discussions focused on India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka. President Dissanayake expressed appreciation for New Delhi’s swift assistance during recent crises, reiterating Sri Lanka’s gratitude for India’s role as a dependable first responder. Both sides noted progress under ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure support programmes aimed at strengthening economic resilience and livelihoods.

Beyond strategic and economic ties, the meeting also highlighted the enduring cultural and civilisational links between the two countries. The leaders emphasised that people-to-people exchanges and shared heritage continue to provide a strong foundation for bilateral relations.

The engagement at the AI Impact Summit reflects the broader trajectory of India–Sri Lanka ties, with both nations signalling intent to expand cooperation in connectivity, innovation, and regional security within the Indian Ocean Region.