New Delhi [India], December 16: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar underscored Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Outlook during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday.
Speaking about the strategic partnership, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the outcomes of President Dissanayake’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
President Dissanayake, who arrived in New Delhi on December 15, described his discussions with EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval as “fruitful.” He emphasized the shared interests of the two nations in regional security and development.
“Arrived in New Delhi today at approximately 5:30 PM, warmly welcomed by Dr. L. Murugan, Hon. State Minister of Information & Broadcasting, and other distinguished officials. Held fruitful discussions tonight with S. Jaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on matters of mutual interest,” Dissanayake wrote on X.
Agenda of the State Visit
President Dissanayake’s three-day state visit, from December 15 to December 17, includes key meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions aim to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties, focusing on cooperation in areas such as maritime security, economic growth, and regional stability.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of SAGAR and India’s Neighborhood First policy.”
Deepening India-Sri Lanka Ties
EAM Jaishankar has consistently prioritized robust India-Sri Lanka relations. In October, he visited Colombo to meet President Dissanayake, where the two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors for mutual benefit.
This visit further solidifies the bond between New Delhi and Colombo, emphasizing shared regional goals and mutual prosperity.
