India and Sri Lanka have signed a comprehensive economic connectivity framework that will link their power grids, re-establish passenger ferry services between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, and lay jointly-operated undersea communications cables.

The framework, signed during President Anura Dissanayake's state visit to New Delhi, represents the deepest economic integration between the two neighbours since Sri Lanka's independence. Indian officials described it as the "cornerstone of India's Neighbourhood First policy for the Indian Ocean region."

The energy grid interconnection will allow Sri Lanka to import Indian electricity during peak demand periods and, in turn, export renewable energy — primarily from planned offshore wind projects — during surplus generation windows. A joint technical committee will begin surveying the 26-kilometre undersea transmission route within the month.

The ferry link, which operated briefly decades ago, will begin with thrice-weekly services and is expected to carry tourists and religious pilgrims to the Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.