Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was hosted Monday by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first overseas visit since assuming office that focused on shoring up ties as concerns grew over China's influence in the region.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to bolster ties with India Monday on his first overseas visit as head of state, with a red carpet welcome by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Modi said he was "happy" that India was Dissanayake's first foreign visit,

India plans to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka's power plants and will work on connecting the power grids of the two countries as well as lay a petroleum pipeline between the neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka assured that his nation's land would not be utilised for any actions harmful to India. His statement was made following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

That Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s first overseas visit after assuming office is to India signals the importance the new Sri Lankan President has attached to the relationship.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day visit to India, assured New Delhi on Monday that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory to be used in any manner against India's interests.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake is in New Delhi for a state visit. He chose India as his first bilateral visit after victories in presidential and parliamentary polls.