North News
New Delhi, December 16
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka did not discuss Adani Group’s investment or the Colombo West Coast Terminal during their bilateral talks. At a press conference, Misri highlighted that India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE are exploring trilateral cooperation for an India-Sri Lanka pipeline, with the UAE offering financial and material support. He also confirmed India’s commitment to assisting Sri Lanka with its unique identification project, modeled on India’s Aadhar system.
Previously, recognising shared security interests of India and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Disanayaka on Monday acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other’s security concerns. As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region.
India being Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbour, President Disanayaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s stated position of not permitting its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability. Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation in training, exchange programs, ship visits, bilateral exercises and assistance to augment defence capabilities, both leaders agreed to advance maritime and security collaboration.
Both leaders noted that the effective and timely implementation of agreed measures, as outlined, would deepen the bilateral ties between the two countries and transform the relationship into a new standard for friendly and neighbourly ties. Both the leaders directed their officials to initiate necessary measures for implementation of the understandings and agreed to extend guidance, where required. They further resolved to continue engagement at leadership level to qualitatively enhance bilateral ties that are mutually beneficial, cater to sustainable developmental needs of Sri Lanka and contribute to the stability of the Indian Ocean Region. President Disanayaka invited Prime Minister Modi to pay a visit to Sri Lanka at his earliest convenience.
