EAM Jaishankar Engages with President Dissanayake, Emphasizes Sri Lanka's Significance in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Strategy
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New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday during his three-day state visit to New Delhi, stressing the island nation's critical role in India's Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook.
The EAM expressed optimism that President Dissanayake's discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Monday will foster enhanced cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo.
This visit marks President Dissanayake's inaugural official trip to India since he assumed office in September.
“I am pleased to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the commencement of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is pivotal to both India's Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. I am confident that the discussions with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will cultivate greater trust and deeper cooperation,” the EAM shared in a post on X.
Previously, President Dissanayake mentioned that he engaged in “fruitful discussions regarding matters of mutual interest” with both EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
“I arrived in New Delhi today (December 15) around 5:30 p.m., receiving a warm welcome from L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, along with other distinguished officials. I had productive discussions tonight with S. Jaishankar and Ajit Doval on topics of joint concern,” Dissanayake posted on X.
President Dissanayake's state visit to India began on Sunday.
He was greeted by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan. During his stay from December 15 to 17, Dissanayake is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a central role in the Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India's Neighbourhood First policy,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of the visit, noting the shared vision of collaboration between the two countries.
He characterized the visit as a chance to “deepen ties and enhance momentum in the people-centric partnership” that characterizes India-Sri Lanka relations.
In addition to political discussions, the Sri Lankan President will participate in business events in the national capital, indicating a focus on bolstering economic relations and discovering new trade opportunities.
Previously, in October, EAM Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. The two leaders deliberated on methods to strengthen cooperation and enhance bilateral ties for the benefit of both India and Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake's visit aims to tackle significant areas of mutual interest, including maritime security, trade, and regional stability. As both nations face shared challenges and opportunities in the area, this visit is set to fortify their enduring partnership and pave the way for increased collaboration in the future.
