Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of India and Sri Lanka working together while considering each other's security interests and sensitivities, in a joint press conference today (July 21, Friday) with Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The message hinted at the shared sentiment of countering Chinese aggression in the Indian subcontinent.

The Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in India for a two-day visit, expressed his shared vision with PM Modi to enhance economic partnership.

In a meeting held in New Delhi, PM Modi announced that India and Sri Lanka will conduct feasibility studies on a petroleum line and land bridge connectivity between the two countries.

A significant development was the signing of an agreement between India and Sri Lanka on the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka. PM Modi highlighted that this agreement will enhance Fintech connectivity.

During a joint press conference, President Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to PM Modi for India's support during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis. India had provided approximately $4 billion in rapid assistance to Colombo between January and July 2022.

Wickremesinghe also emphasized the belief shared by both leaders that the construction of a multi-project petroleum pipeline from southern India to Sri Lanka will ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan President informed Prime Minister Modi about the significant challenges faced by Sri Lanka in the past year, including economic, social, and political issues. He also highlighted the reform measures undertaken to overcome these challenges.

Wickremesinghe expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity and support provided by India during this difficult period.

In addition, both countries announced the commencement of passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka. PM Modi expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government would address the aspirations of the Tamil community and work towards equality, justice, and peace.

One of the agreements reached between India and Sri Lanka includes network-to-network agreements for UPI acceptance in Sri Lanka. This will facilitate seamless digital transactions between the two countries.

PM Modi also emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision. He stated that the two countries discussed various bilateral, regional, and international issues.

Notably, PM Modi also stressed that he believed that the security and development of both India and Sri Lanka are interconnected.

President Wickremesinghe was received by PM Modi at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka, especially as both nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Arriving in New Delhi on Thursday (July 20), President Wickremesinghe was greeted by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. The warm welcome reflected the importance of the visit and the bilateral discussions to be held.

In addition to the official meetings, President Wickremesinghe also had a meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani.

Adani proposed the establishment of a green hydrogen plant in Sri Lanka, where his conglomerate is already involved in developing a container terminal and a 500 MW wind project. The meeting focused on ongoing projects and the potential for new ventures.

V Murleedharan

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