Jaishankar Meets AKD: India Promises Support in Key Growth Areas

COLOMBO (News 1st); India has reaffirmed its full support for Sri Lanka’s economic rehabilitation.

This message was conveyed when Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday (3).

At the outset, the visiting External Affairs Minister had congratulated President Dissanayake on his election and conveyed felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The discussions between the External Affairs Minister (EAM) and President Dissanayake focused on furthering cooperation between the two nations in multiple sectors.

Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s economic rehabilitation, highlighting India's commitment to assisting in tourism, investment, electricity, energy services, and the dairy industry.

According to the President's Media Division, he emphasized that Sri Lanka could leverage India’s vast market to boost its economic recovery.

President Dissanayake expressed his appreciation for the financial support India provided during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis and stressed the importance of continued collaboration.

The meeting also touched on areas of mutual interest, including fisheries and promoting national unity.

On behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Jaishankar extended an invitation to President Dissanayake to visit India at a mutually convenient date.

President Dissanayake also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of India to visit Sri Lanka.

The Indian External Affiars Ministry said that Dr. Jaishankar spoke about ongoing initiatives in the field of energy production and transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious places, connectivity, digital public infrastructure, health and dairy development.

He highlighted that India would contribute to economic sustainability and provide new streams of revenue.

The Ministry of External Affiars said that the Sri Lankan President said that India’s economic support is critical to realize his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka and meeting the aspirations of the people.

He referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India, which could help reduce production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources.  The President also noted the contribution of Indian tourists and recognized that this has the potential to grow further, said the Ministry of External Affairs.