External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to embark on an official visit to Sri Lanka on October 4, where he will hold talks with the country’s newly elected leadership. The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, aimed at strengthening maritime and regional cooperation.
“This visit underscores the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to further deepen their longstanding partnership for mutual benefit,” the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
During his visit, Jaishankar will meet with Sri Lanka’s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. He will also hold discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, accompanied by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
This marks India’s first high-level diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka’s new leadership following the country’s recent presidential election. The election saw Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) win in a significant victory, defeating former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
India and Sri Lanka have maintained close ties across various international platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. These collaborations highlight the broad scope of their cooperation, ranging from maritime security to sustainable infrastructure.
Earlier on Thursday, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, met with President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Amarasuriya to discuss the future trajectory of bilateral relations. Jha reiterated India’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Sri Lankan people and emphasized the importance of further strengthening ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated Dissanayake on his election win, reaffirming that Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s regional strategy, particularly under the Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. PM Modi emphasized the significance of the multifaceted relationship between the two nations, encompassing sectors such as connectivity, agriculture, energy, education, and economic cooperation.
(Inputs from ANI)