Sri Lanka’s Dissanayake Assures India on Security Cooperation and Tamil Rights
During a significant meeting, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Dissanayake discussed strategic cooperation and reaffirmed commitments not to allow Sri Lankan territory to be used against India. Modi urged support for the Tamil minority and emphasized defense collaboration, maritime security, and addressing regional threats, while Dissanayake pledged support for India’s security interests.
During a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assurances were exchanged regarding the non-utilization of Sri Lankan territory for activities against Indian interests. This meeting marked Dissanayake’s inaugural international engagement since assuming the presidency. The discussions encompassed strategic cooperation and addressed India’s concerns regarding Chinese surveillance vessel visits to Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake emphasized his commitment not to permit any activities that could harm India’s security, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s stance on maintaining regional stability. Modi further advocated for addressing the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority through constitutional implementation and the timely conduct of provincial council elections. The leaders agreed on the importance of bolstering defense collaboration, maritime security, and the establishment of a defense cooperation agreement.
As the dialogue progressed, both leaders recognized the shared security interests between India and Sri Lanka. They decided on enhanced cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, maritime surveillance, and disaster response. The importance of regular communication based on mutual trust was underscored to address both traditional and non-traditional threats. Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India’s support, underlining the significance of collaboration for regional security and development.
The meeting between Modi and Dissanayake comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka as it navigates increasing Chinese influence in the region, particularly concerning Chinese surveillance vessels making visits to its ports. Historically, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, to which Dissanayake belongs, has held a critical stance towards India. However, the new leadership under Dissanayake’s presidency seeks to strengthen ties with India amid regional geopolitical shifts, focusing on mutual security, economic partnerships, and addressing minority rights within Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake have set a foundation for renewed cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, especially in security and defense realms. Both leaders’ commitment to addressing regional and domestic issues, specifically pertaining to Tamil rights and regional stability, reflects a significant step towards fostering a stable and cooperative bilateral relationship. This engagement is pivotal given the external pressures and the ongoing need for economic and security collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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