New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar underscored Sri Lanka’s crucial role in India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Outlook during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday.
Expressing optimism, Jaishankar noted that President Dissanayake’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would foster greater collaboration between the two nations.
“Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation,” Jaishankar shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Pleased to call on President @anuradisanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 15, 2024
Sri Lanka is key to both India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook.
Confident that the talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper… pic.twitter.com/GVAH35VzTH
Earlier, President Dissanayake shared details of his interactions with Indian officials, describing the discussions as productive.
“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 S Jaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on matters of mutual interest,” Dissanayake wrote 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
The Sri Lankan President arrived in India on a state visit on Sunday and was welcomed by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan.
As part of his visit from December 15 to December 17, Dissanayake is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
“Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ and India’s Neighborhood First policy,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
In October, EAM Jaishankar had visited Colombo and met with President Dissanayake. The two leaders emphasized deepening cooperation and enhancing ties to benefit the citizens of both countries.