Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently met with India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. This meeting, part of Dissanayake's first state visit to India since taking office in September 2024, focused on several key areas.

The discussions aimed to bolster economic ties, with an emphasis on expanding investment opportunities between India and Sri Lanka. Both leaders recognized the importance of a collaborative approach to address mutual economic challenges and opportunities.

Alongside economic discussions, the meeting also touched upon enhancing regional security, highlighting the strategic importance of the relationship amid growing geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.

Specific sectors such as tourism and energy were identified as focal points for future collaboration. The leaders acknowledged that these sectors hold significant potential for growth and investment, which could benefit both countries economically.

Dissanayake's visit included meetings with other high-ranking officials, including India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, further underscoring the importance of Sri Lanka in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy. Overall, this diplomatic engagement marks a significant step towards deepening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, aiming for a more integrated economic partnership moving forward.