On his first visit to India, and amid a growing Chinese security footprint in the region, Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured PM Modi on Monday that he wouldn't allow Lankan territory to be used in a manner detrimental to India's security interests.

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 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.

Dissanayake said that India's economic support is critical in realizing his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka, as the island nation emerges from the worst economic crisis in its independent history. "Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation,

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.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on key bilateral issues, including trade, investment, connectivity and energy and said that the two nations will work together to strengthen the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

The proposal for establishing a pipeline between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka is expected to ensure an affordable and reliable supply of fuel to Sri Lanka

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said India would continue to support sustainable economic development of Sri Lanka as its close and trusted partner