India-Sri Lanka ties strengthened as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concludes official visit

The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka last evening (05) after holding high-level discussions with Sri Lankan leaders on strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations, economic cooperation, development projects, and regional security.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo said the visit provided an opportunity to review the progress of bilateral cooperation and reaffirm the strong partnership between India and Sri Lanka. This was Vikram Misri’s first standalone visit to Sri Lanka after being appointed as Foreign Secretary.

During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. He also held discussions with Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, along with representatives of Sri Lanka’s Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.

India Reaffirms Support Under Neighbourhood First Policy

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka under India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. Both countries reviewed ongoing bilateral projects and expressed satisfaction over progress in areas including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and community development.

A major focus of the discussions was the implementation of projects under the USD 450 million reconstruction package announced following Cyclone Ditwah. India and Sri Lanka also welcomed agreements for two Indian credit lines worth USD 250 million for railway projects and USD 100 million for livestock development and other priority requirements.

The agreements between India’s EXIM Bank and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance were exchanged in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Progress on Development and Infrastructure Projects

Both countries noted progress in reconstruction activities, including the rebuilding of damaged houses and construction of permanent bridges under the Ditwah Reconstruction Package, supported by a USD 100 million Indian grant.

India and Sri Lanka also reviewed cooperation in supplying medical equipment to the relocated Deniyaya Hospital, providing medical kiosks, supporting educational institutions, and establishing an island-wide disaster warning system.

The rehabilitation of the Northern Railway corridor, supported by a USD 5 million Indian grant, has been completed, with train services restored, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Energy Cooperation and Digital Development

Discussions also focused on key energy projects, including the Sri Lanka-India electricity grid interconnection project, the Sampur solar power project, and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.

The two sides agreed to accelerate efforts towards implementing the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project and begin discussions on the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kankesanthurai Harbour under a USD 61.5 million Indian grant.

India and Sri Lanka also agreed to work towards an early conclusion of an agreement to expand the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service, while recognising the successful completion of India’s capacity-building programme that trained more than 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals.

Economic Cooperation and Fishermen Issue Discussed

Economic cooperation was another key area discussed during the visit, with both sides welcoming progress on negotiations to update the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

The two countries also welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the India-Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement, which is expected to be signed after completing necessary internal procedures.

Foreign Secretary Misri also raised concerns regarding detained fishermen and requested Sri Lanka’s cooperation for the early release of fishermen and fishing boats. He stressed the importance of maintaining a humanitarian approach while discussions continue through existing bilateral mechanisms.

India Calls for Provincial Council Elections

During talks with Sri Lankan leaders, Misri highlighted the importance of conducting Provincial Council elections in Sri Lanka and implementing constitutional provisions to address the aspirations of the Tamil community, India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted.

He also welcomed President Dissanayake’s assurance that Sri Lankan territory would not be used in any manner harmful to India’s security, saying the commitment would provide a strong foundation for a broader development partnership.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and implementing agreements reached during previous high-level visits by leaders of both countries.