New Delhi [India], October 3: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on October 4, during which he will hold discussions with the leadership of the island nation.
This visit aligns with India's Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR outlook. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it underscores the mutual commitment of both countries to enhance their longstanding partnership for mutual benefit.
Jaishankar will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. He is scheduled to pay courtesy visits to newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
According to the Sri Lankan foreign ministry, the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister and his delegation will also meet with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This visit marks India's first official engagement with the new leadership following Sri Lanka's 9th presidential election last month, in which Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People's Power won, defeating incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
India and Sri Lanka have worked together on various international platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Earlier on Thursday, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, met with President Dissanayake to discuss the progress of their bilateral relations. They explored ways to further enhance the "longstanding friendship" between the two nations.
Jha also met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to discuss accelerating bilateral ties, emphasizing India's "consistent commitment" to the people of Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously congratulated Dissanayake on his election victory, stating that Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and the Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which aims for collaborative efforts in sustainable ocean use and a secure maritime environment.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India highly values its close relationship with Sri Lanka, which has evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing various areas of contemporary relevance, including connectivity, development, agriculture, power, education, human resource development, culture, and greater economic engagement. This relationship has been further strengthened through high-level bilateral exchanges in recent times.
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