NEW DELHI — Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made his first international visit since taking office, meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The focus of their discussions was to strengthen relations amid rising concerns regarding the influence of China in the region.

During the visit, Modi announced plans for the development of an electricity grid connection and a multi-product petroleum pipeline, initiatives designed to enhance investment and commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Dissanayake landed in New Delhi on Sunday, marking his initial foray into international diplomacy since his election as president in September. He participated in discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during his visit.

Speaking at a joint press briefing, Dissanayake emphasized his commitment to ensuring that Sri Lanka would not be utilized in ways that could harm India’s interests. “Cooperation with India will undoubtedly thrive, and I wish to reaffirm our ongoing support for India,” he stated.

India has been actively strengthening its economic and defense relationships with Sri Lanka, largely driven by worries over China’s increasing presence on the island.

Historically, China was thought to have considerable leverage over Sri Lanka due to its substantial loans and investment in infrastructure. Although China continues to be the largest creditor to Sri Lanka, the island’s economic turmoil in 2022 created an opening for India. New Delhi responded by providing significant financial and material aid involving essential commodities such as food, fuel, and medicine.

Support from these two competing regional powers is crucial for Sri Lanka as it navigates its severe economic crisis, which has spurred political instability and ultimately contributed to the rise of Dissanayake’s political party to power.