External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office for the second consecutive term as he arrived in the Island nation on Thursday. His agenda includes high-level discussions with Sri Lanka’s leadership aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation.
Upon landing in Colombo, Jaishankar received a warm welcome from Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province.
“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State Tharaka Balasuriya and Governor of Eastern province S Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership,” Jaishankar posted.
Highlighting the significance of Sri Lanka in Bharat’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, Jaishankar reaffirmed Bharat’s commitment to encouraging friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours.
This visit to Sri Lanka marks Jaishankar’s standalone bilateral visit since assuming office, following his participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy last week.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi stated that Jaishankar will engage in discussions covering a wide range of issues with Sri Lankan leadership. This visit highlights Bharat’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and a longstanding friend.
“The visit will bolster ongoing connectivity projects and foster cooperation across various sectors,” the MEA stated.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was among the dignitaries from Bharat’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
