India and Sri Lanka on Monday resolved to expeditiously finalise a defence cooperation agreement to give a new dimension to their partnership. At the same time, it was decided to establish electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines to strengthen energy ties. The decision was taken during wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake.
Special focus on development and connectivity
Prime Minister Modi said both countries have decided to give priority to investment-led development and connectivity. “Physical, digital and energy connectivity will be the main pillars of our cooperation. Work will begin on power grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipeline projects between the two countries. It has also been decided to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Sri Lanka’s power plants.
Ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar
The Prime Minister announced that a ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar would be started to improve connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. “We agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to finalise the Defence Cooperation Agreement soon. The two countries also agreed to cooperate in hydrography.
Discussion on fishermen’s issues
Prime Minister Modi also discussed the contentious issue of fishermen. “We discussed issues related to the livelihood of fishermen and agreed to take a humanitarian approach to it,” he said. On issues concerning the Tamil community, Modi expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil their aspirations.
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India’s support to Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister informed that India has so far extended credit facilities and assistance to the tune of US $5 billion to Sri Lanka. “We are providing support to all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Our projects are always selected based on the priorities of the partner countries. “The talks signalled further deepening of the strong ties between the two countries and will pave the way for adding new dimensions to regional development and security in the future.
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