Indian delegation leaves island after talks with Sri Lanka s leadership

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The high-level Indian delegation led by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, which arrived in Sri Lanka this morning, has left the island a short
while ago after concluding their official visit.A delegation of senior Government of India officials, led by the Indian Foreign Secretary,
and consisting of the Secretary to the Department of Economic Affairs Shri Ajay Seth, Chief Economic Advisor Dr
V
Ranil Wickremasinghe, during the visit
The talks between the two sides were held in a frank, cordial and constructive manner, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.The Indian
delegation underscored that the unprecedented recent economic, financial and humanitarian assistance of over US$ 3.5 billion to the people
Minister Narendra Modi.During the call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Indian side thanked the President of Sri Lanka for his
commitment to the development of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations
meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremansinghe, the two sides had an in-depth discussion on the Sri Lankan economy and efforts undertaken
by the Government of Sri Lanka towards achieving economic recovery.In this context, both sides highlighted the importance of promoting
India-Sri Lanka investment partnership including in the fields of infrastructure, connectivity, renewable energy and deepening economic
Aruni Wijewardena
They agreed to work in close coordination towards strengthening diplomatic engagement and undertaking a bilateral visit at an early date.The
Sri Lankan side appreciated the consistent support of the Government and people of India over the past few years in a variety of fields such
as counter-terrorism, maritime security, disaster management, humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, commercial engagement and
people-to-people ties.The High Commission said the development assistance extended by India stands at over USD 5 billion with more than USD
600 million being in grants, which include the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project
India continues to be the largest source of tourism for Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan side also welcomed the support extended by India during the
meetings at the IMF in March this year and on subsequent occasions in different forums including regional and plurilateral organizations
They further acknowledged the initiatives taken by the Indian leadership in encouraging other countries to support Sri Lanka in dealing with
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