Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first overseas visit since assuming office that focused on shoring up ties as concerns grew over China’s influence in the region.

In a powerful display of commitment to defence cooperation, Sri Lanka on Monday officially assured New Delhi that it will not permit any force to use its territory to “threaten India's security” in any manner.

India plans to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka's power plants and will work on connecting the power grids of the two countries as well as lay a petroleum pipeline between the neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his maiden overseas visit to India, assured New Delhi that Sri Lanka's territory would not be used against India’s security interests. The commitment was made following his wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day visit to India, assured New Delhi on Monday that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory to be used in any manner against India's interests.

Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Dissanayake discussed enhancing cooperation between their nations, focusing on security interests and finalizing a Defence Cooperation Agreement.