India and Sri Lanka on Friday reviewed the entire gamut of their bilateral ties here during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Both leaders focussed on further strengthening their relationship including economic cooperation, energy security, and other related issues.
The two sides later announced cooperation in the fields of animal husbandry and dairying, energy permit for Sampur solar power project, renewable energy, economic development projects in Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka and network to network agreement between NIPL and Lanka Pay for UPI application acceptance in Sri Lanka.
Ahead of the high-level talks between the two top leaders, Wickremesinghe also met National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and is understood to have discussed security cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi conveyed to Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe India's expectations from Colombo to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and ensure a life of respect and dignity for it. The issue figured prominently in the wide-ranging talks between Modi and Wickremesinghe, with the Prime Minister highlighting the need for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution.
In his press statement, Modi said “the past year has been full of challenges for the people of Sri Lanka. As close friends, like always, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of crisis. And I heartily congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the courage with which they faced these challenging circumstances.”
Giving details of his talks with the President, the Prime Minister said the two sides have adopted a vision document for our Economic Partnership. This vision is to strengthen the Maritime, Air, Energy and people-to-people connectivity between the people of both countries. The vision is to accelerate mutual cooperation in tourism, power, trade, higher education and skill development. This is the vision - of India's long-term commitment to Sri Lanka, Modi said.
The Prime Minister said both sides decided that talks on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement will start soon. This will open new possibilities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries. “We agreed to enhance air connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
To increase business and the movement of people, it has also been decided to start Passenger Ferry Services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and KankeSanthurai in Sri Lanka,” the Prime Minister said.
He also said both countries decided that the work of connecting the electricity grids between the two countries will be expedited. The feasibility study will be done for the petroleum pipeline between India and Sri Lanka. Apart from this, it was also decided to check the feasibility of a land bridge. Fintech connectivity will also increase with the agreement signed today to launch UPI in Sri Lanka.
Modi said the two leaders also discussed the issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. “We agree that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe told me about his inclusive approach. We hope that the Government of Sri Lanka will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils. Will drive the process of rebuilding for equality, justice and peace. Will fulfil its commitment to implement the Thirteenth Amendment and conduct the Provincial Council Elections. And will ensure a life of respect and dignity for the Tamil community of Sri Lanka.”
The Prime Minister underlined that ties between the two nations are as ancient and extensive as our civilisations. Sri Lanka has an important place in both, India's “Neighbourhood First” policy and “SAGAR” vision.
This year holds special significance for our bilateral relations. We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Also, the Tamil community of Indian origin is completing 200 years of their arrival in Sri Lanka.I am happy to say, that on this occasion, various projects worth Rs 75 crore will be implemented for Indian origin Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka. In addition, India will also contribute to the development programs in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka,” he said.