WEB DESK / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government will realize the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation.
Delivering press statement after holding talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in New Delhi, Mr. Modi said stability, security and prosperity in Sri Lanka are not only in India’s interest but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean Region. He said both countries have decided to deepen cooperation to combat terrorism.
In their talks, the two prime ministers deliberated on the entire expanse of bilateral ties and resolved to further deepen anti-terror cooperation and boost trade and investment ties. Prime Minister Modi said, India has been a trusted partner in Sri Lanka’s development and will continue to assist the country in its journey for peace and development.
He added that new lines of credit announced last year will strengthen development cooperation between the two neighbours. Referring to the fishermen issue, he said, both sides have decided to adopt a humanitarian approach in dealing with it. In his press statement, Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked Mr. Modi for his priority to Neighbourhood First policy.
Mr. Rajapaksa arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a five-day visit to India. Earlier this morning, he was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar called on the visiting dignitary and termed Sri Lanka as a partner in development, progress and security. A delegation of Congress Party led by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister.
The visiting dignitary will call on President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening. He is also scheduled to visit historic religious sites including Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Tirupati. This is the first visit of Mr. Rajapaksa abroad since he took over as Prime Minister.