Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday paid homage to Sri Lanka’s sacred Buddhist tree before wrapping up a state visit during which he secured defense and energy deals, seen as a move to counter rival China’s growing influence in the region.
Modi offered flowers to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, an object of worship and a symbol of sovereignty for the Buddhist-majority island, in the pilgrim city of Anuradhapura.
The tightly guarded fig tree is believed to have grown from a sapling of the tree in India under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
Photo: EPA-EFE / Sri Lankan President Media Division
The tree — which is guarded around the clock by monks, police and armed troops — is worshiped daily by thousands as a symbol of the “living Buddha,” its branches propped up by gold-plated iron supports.
“This visit has reaffirmed the deep cultural, spiritual and civilizational ties between our two nations,” Modi wrote on social media, before returning to India.
On Saturday, Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake oversaw the signing of seven agreements including on defense and energy.
Dissanayake rolled out the red carpet for Modi and conferred on him the country’s highest civilian honor for “the deep personal friendship” shown to Sri Lanka.
“We believe that our security interests are aligned,” Modi said on Saturday. “Our security is interdependent and interconnected.”
A five-year defense cooperation agreement provides training of Sri Lankan military personnel in India as well as information and technology sharing.
Dissanayake said he had assured Modi that Sri Lankan territory “will not be allowed to be used by anyone to undermine India’s security.”
India has previously objected to Chinese submarines and research vessels that have called at the main seaport in Colombo.
Sri Lanka has not allowed Chinese submarines to dock since 2014, after India raised concerns over two such visits.
Last year, Colombo imposed a ban on foreign research vessels following New Delhi’s accusations that Chinese ships were being used to spy on India.
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