India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · SRI LANKA
India & Sri Lanka
NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRSTMAHASAGAR VISIONFIRST RESPONDER2,500-YEAR TIES
India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour in a relationship over 2,500 years old, central to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. Relations have matured across politics, trade, connectivity, defence, development and culture, underscored by India's role as first responder during Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis and its 2015, 2020 and 2021 emergencies.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Sri Lanka actually work together
7 active areas of cooperation, as of 21 March 2025. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 figures as cited in MEA bilateral brief (21 March 2025). FY24-25 (Apr-Nov) trade already at $3.67bn.
$5.54bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$4.11bn
India exports to country
$1.42bn
India imports from country
$2.25bn cumulative to 2023 ($198.1m in 2023 alone)
Sri Lanka FDI into India (cumulative)
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$5.54bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1948, in 10 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, March 2025
The relationship has navigated Sri Lanka's post-crisis recovery and a change of government smoothly - EAM Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to meet President Disanayaka, and Disanayaka reciprocated by making India his first overseas trip as President. ETCA negotiations are progressing after years of delay, connectivity projects (ferries, UPI, the proposed Economic Land Corridor and power grid interconnection) are advancing, and the Colombo Security Conclave has matured into a regional security platform. India's willingness to convert loan payments into grants and continue large-scale development assistance underscores the relationship's priority status.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalColombo
Population22 million
RegionSouth Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1948
Indian diaspora~1.6 million Indian Origin Tamils + ~10,000 PIOs + ~7,500 NRIs
ON THIS PAGE
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