In carefully choreographed diplomacy, he is likely to have a broad discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on ways to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, energy and Regional Connectivity and Maritime Security
DrSJaishankar meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Image: X@DrSJaishankar
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday deliberated a meaningful meeting with the External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval immediately after he arrived in New Delhi on a three-day Sri Lanka’s official visit to India.
It is Mr Dissanayake’s first foreign trip since coming into office as the President. Before that, he will have an extensive meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday that will mainly discuss increasing cooperation of both countries in the spheres of trade, investment, energy, and in the sphere of maritime security cooperation.
Apart from individual and personal matters, mentioned during separate meetings with Mr. Jaishankar and Mr Doval are reported to have been taken under general out-of-bilateral relation, including over ways and means towards broadening overall strategic cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours.
New Delhi has been arguing that the development of the two countries is ‘linked’ and business cooperation and partnership must be based on mutual respect for both security concerns/sensitivities of each nation.
“Good discussions tonight with @DrSJaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on issues of mutual concern,” Mr Dissanayake posted on X.
Arrived in New Delhi today (15th) 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 @DrSJaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on matters of mutual… pic.twitter.com/KOTfQzUzhp — Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 15, 2024
So far there’s absolutely no information on the specifics of the discussions apart from the message of Sri Lanka’s leader.
During the delegation-level talks between Mr Modi and Mr Dissanayake, the Indian side will also be expected to convey to the Sri Lankan leader what New Delhi expects to see in the island nation to meet the aspirations of the Tamil community.
The Tamil people of Sri Lanka have long been calling for the establishment of the 13th Amendment for the devolution of power to them. After the signing of Indo Sri Lankan agreement in 1987, the 13th amendment was introduced which provided certain devolution of power to provincial councils.
During the negotiations, New Delhi will probably reiterate its intention to assist Sri Lanka in building a more affluent economy.
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan received Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake upon his arrival in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: PTI
Earlier, Mr Dissanayake was welcomed at the Delhi airport by the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and ‘other’ L. Murugan. Promising to add more speed and strength to the Indian-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, which involves a focus on the masses; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X penned Mr. Dissanayake’s visit to India symbolizes the enhancement of the people-friendly partnership.
"Warm and special welcome!"
He said along with photos of the Union Minister receiving Mr Dissanayake.
The Sri Lankan leader will also be able to meet President Droupadi Murmu.
Mr Dissanayake is to participate in a business forum in Delhi aimed at the enhancement of investment relations between India and Sri Lanka.
He is also due to pay a visit to Bodh Gaya.
Sri Lanka is the closest maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region and occupies a strategic place in the vision of PM Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘SAGAR’ – ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region,’ the MEA said in a statement on Friday.
It said that
‘The visit of President Dissanayake to India is also likely to give impetus to the multifaceted and bilateral beneficial interaction between India and Sri Lanka’.
People privy to the matter said that questions of cooperation in marine security are most likely to be discussed during Mr Dissanayake’s visit.
India has been steadily building up its general defence and strategic relationship with Sri Lanka due to the growing worry over Chinese striving towards greater intervention in the Indian Ocean.
The Indians raised concerns over Sri Lankan’s decision to allow the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ to dock in the ham ban tuna Port in August 2022. Another Chinese warship visited the Colombo port in August last year.
India has been providing support to several capacity enhancement initiatives of Sri Lankan defence forces, which include imported Offshore Patrol Vessels built in India.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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