India, April 5 -- India and Sri Lanka signed a landmark defence cooperation pact on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a broader roadmap for stronger bilateral ties. He stressed that the security of both nations is closely connected.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) - the first such framework agreement between the two countries - aims to formalise joint military exercises, training programmes, and high-level exchanges.

The defence agreement was among key pacts signed after comprehensive discussions between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. It marks a significant development in strategic relations, coming nearly four decades after India's Peace Keeping Force was deployed in Sri Lanka.

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