Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka marks a significant moment in India-Sri Lanka relations.
- The visit underlines India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR policies.
- The visit aims to strengthen cooperation and development in the Indian Ocean region.
Colombo/New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday arrived in Colombo on a day-long official visit during which he will hold talks with the Sri Lankan leadership on wide-ranging issues of the partnership.
The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, highlighting the country’s central role in India’s foreign policy initiatives.
“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome.
Look forward to my meetings with the leadership.
Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.”
He was welcomed by Minister of State Tharaka Balasuriya and Governor of the Eastern Province S Thondaman.
Jaishankar is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
EAM and his delegation will also have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is EAM’s first bilateral visit after the formation of the new Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time -tested friend, a statement said.
The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.
