The inaugural Track 2 India-Sri Lanka Strategic Dialogue was co-convened by the Ananta Aspen Centre and Pathfinder Foundation in Colombo on 25 March 2025. His Excellency Mr. Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address.
The discussions centred on balancing great power influence, particularly China and the US, and its impact on Indo-Lanka relations. Both sides explored shared interests and challenges, including the Indo-Lanka fishing dispute, and sought viable solutions. Security concerns, such as secure shipping lanes, piracy, and terrorism, were highlighted, alongside an assessment of existing defence cooperation agreements. The dialogue also examined the role of regional organizations and prospects, considering the impact of climate change. Economic cooperation was a key focus, with discussions on Sri Lanka’s post-IMF strategies, regional trade opportunities, and India’s infrastructure development role. The dialogue further explored digital governance, tech startups, and cybersecurity, aiming to forge collaborative frameworks for regional stability and growth.
