Jaishankar Arrives in Sri Lanka for Key Diplomatic Engagement with New Leadership
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka to meet with new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The visit, the first by a Foreign Minister since the elections, aims to enhance the long-standing partnership between the two countries. Discussion topics will include Indian investments, regional security, and minority rights. Dissanayake has welcomed India’s support during recent crises and voiced a desire for constructive relations, particularly in the face of external influences.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to Sri Lanka on Friday, marking the first engagement by a Foreign Minister following the recent Presidential elections in the country. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the newly elected President, to discuss and assess the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit reflects India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and the SAGAR approach, which emphasizes the importance of mutual collaboration between the two neighbors. The key focus of Jaishankar’s discussions will be on reviewing the current state of relations and exploring future opportunities under Dissanayake’s administration, especially relating to Indian investments, regional security issues, and the rights of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. In a recent interaction with Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake reiterated his positive stance towards India, acknowledging the support rendered during the crisis of 2022. He affirmed that India’s approach to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring has been notably cooperative, in contrast to other international partners. The new leadership in Sri Lanka is also cognizant of India’s concerns regarding China’s influence in the region, particularly the presence of Chinese vessels. This marks the second meeting between Jaishankar and Dissanayake since the latter’s election victory, with Jha having been the first foreign diplomat to offer his congratulations on September 23, shortly after the election results were announced. Jha commented on India’s aspirations for Sri Lanka to become a “peaceful and stable state in the region,” and expressed eagerness to assist in initiatives aimed at digital governance to combat corruption. Dissanayake mentioned, “Mr Jha also reflected on the long-standing friendship and closeness between our two nations, highlighting the importance of maintaining a continuous and stable partnership as neighbouring states.”
The diplomatic relationship between India and Sri Lanka has been historically significant, shaped by geographical proximity and shared cultural ties. Post-2022 economic crises in Sri Lanka have heightened the necessity for foreign support, specifically from neighbors. India has consistently played a crucial role in assisting Sri Lanka during tumultuous periods, fostering economic stability and addressing regional security issues. The recent elections brought in a new leadership under President Dissanayake, promoting an opportunity for renewed dialogues regarding bilateral cooperation and strategic interests in the context of China’s growing presence in the region.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka signifies a pivotal moment in Indian-Sri Lankan relations, underscoring both nations’ commitment to strengthen their partnership. With President Dissanayake expressing goodwill towards India, this meeting is anticipated to open avenues for collaboration on various fronts while addressing mutual concerns about regional stability and economic partnerships.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
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