Sun Dec 15 20:32:24 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lankan President’s India Visit Aims to Boost Bilateral Ties
**New Delhi, Dec 16, 2024** – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake began a three-day visit to India on Sunday, holding talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This is President Dissanayake’s first foreign trip since assuming office.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations across trade, investment, energy, and maritime security. The Indian side emphasized the intertwined development of both nations and the importance of collaborative efforts considering each other’s security interests. While official details remain limited, President Dissanayake confirmed productive discussions on X (formerly Twitter).
Further meetings are scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, where India is expected to reiterate its support for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and urge Colombo to address the aspirations of the Tamil community, including the implementation of the 13th Amendment.
The visit underscores the importance of the India-Sri Lanka relationship within India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Maritime security cooperation is also expected to be a key discussion point, given India’s concerns about China’s growing military presence in the Indian Ocean. President Dissanayake will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu and participate in a business event to promote investment opportunities. His visit concludes with a trip to Bodh Gaya.
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