Pakistan Defence Secretary discusses aviation, port cooperation with Sri Lanka Minister

ECONOMYNEXT – Visiting Pakistan Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali discussed strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in aviation and ports sectors with the island nation’s Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka, the government said. “Special attention was paid to expanding cooperation in the aviation sector, improving air connectivity between the two countries, increasing the number of flights, and exploring future development opportunities in the field,” the government said in a statement. “Discussions also focused on sharing knowledge and experience in the ports and maritime sectors, as well as enhancing operational efficiency.” It also said both sides exchanged views on ongoing development initiatives in the ports and civil aviation sectors aimed at further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a regional shipping and logistics hub. Pakistan Defence Secretary’s meeting with the Ports and Aviation Minister comes after his discussion with his counterpart Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha. Ali is in Sri Lanka to participate in the 6th Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue. Sri Lanka and Pakistan share a longstanding bilateral relationship characterized by military, diplomatic, and economic ties dating back decades. In the aviation and ports sectors, cooperation has focused on enhancing air connectivity, technical exchanges, capacity building, and maritime collaboration. In contrast to Pakistan’s largely cooperative and incremental engagement, India has pursued a more forceful and strategic push in Sri Lanka’s aviation and ports sectors. India views Sri Lanka as part of its immediate sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean and has actively sought to counter external powers, particularly China, through economic investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic pressure, analysts say. India has been vying for development of ports and airports, energy projects, and stronger advocacy for Indian private sector participation amid long delays in completing projects like oil tank farm and power plant in Sampur, both in the strategic Eastern port district of Trincomalee. India’s approach often combines economic incentives with security concerns, sometimes perceived in Colombo as more assertive or conditional compared to Pakistan’s partnership-oriented style, government officials have said. Sri Lanka sits at a critical geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean, astride major sea lanes connecting Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Any deepening of Pakistan–Sri Lanka ties in ports and aviation is seen as having direct implications for India’s maritime security and regional influence. Enhanced Pakistani and Chinese involvement could diversify Sri Lanka’s partnerships away from India, increase third-party influence near Indian waters, and affect India’s ability to shape regional connectivity projects. For New Delhi, maintaining strong leverage over Colombo’s strategic infrastructure is essential to safeguard its interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) amid broader competition with China and managing Pakistan-related security dynamics. Even limited cooperation between Colombo and Islamabad is watched closely in India as part of the larger geopolitical contest in South Asia and the Indian Ocean. (Colombo/July 03/2026)