PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties
New Delhi, December 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. The leaders exchanged warm greetings before engaging in comprehensive discussions to strengthen bilateral ties.
Earlier in the day, President Dissanayake paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, accompanied by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan. Sharing this moment on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “President @anuradisanayake of Sri Lanka paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning. Bapu’s timeless values of truth and non-violence continue to inspire humanity all over the world.”
President Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the Guard of Honour presented by the combined defence services, the leaders introduced their respective ministers, diplomats, and officials to each other. The Sri Lankan President also shared a video on X, showcasing his ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Sri Lankan President’s state visit to India, scheduled from December 15 to December 17, marks his first bilateral trip to the country since assuming office in September. Upon arrival in Delhi on Sunday, President Dissanayake met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Union Minister L Murugan welcomed him at the airport.
President Dissanayake reflected on these discussions in a post on X, stating, “During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy. These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted Sri Lanka’s vital role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. In a post on X, he wrote, “Pleased to call on President @anuradisanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India’s Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation.”
The MEA emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.” The ministry also confirmed that President Dissanayake’s engagements in India would include participation in a business event in Delhi and a visit to Bodh Gaya.
The visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening their multi-faceted cooperation, encompassing economic, security, and cultural ties. Both leaders are expected to make significant strides in strengthening the partnership between New Delhi and Colombo during this historic state visit.
