Both rivals India and China have vied for influence in the island country that sits strategically along shipping routes in the Indian Ocean

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was hosted Monday 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.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to bolster ties with India Monday on his first overseas visit as head of state, with a red carpet welcome by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sri Lanka assures India its soil won`t be used against India`s interests. Both nations agree on defense cooperation, energy ties, and debt restructuring.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India and Sri Lanka has decided to soon conclude defence cooperation agreement. He said that both nations have decided to have cooperation on hydrography. In his joint statement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence,