External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Colombo on Thursday for his first visit since the new government term began. He was warmly welcomed by Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman.
Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to his hosts for their warm reception and highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. “Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership. Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies,” he shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome.
Look forward to my meetings with the leadership.
Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR… pic.twitter.com/3B6aSbW41w
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024
During his visit, Jaishankar is set to hold meetings with Sri Lankan leaders to discuss a wide range of issues related to the partnership between the two neighboring countries. This visit is particularly significant as it is his first bilateral visit after the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued an official statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka, highlighting its role as India’s closest maritime neighbor. “Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend. The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” the statement read.
Jaishankar, a senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has played a crucial role in steering India’s diplomatic efforts during Prime Minister Modi’s second term. He resumed his duties as External Affairs Minister at the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block last week.
His visit to Sri Lanka is seen as a move to reinforce the strong ties between the two countries and to push forward various cooperation projects that benefit both nations. The discussions are expected to cover key areas such as connectivity, economic cooperation, and regional security, aiming to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
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