India: The Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, and the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, have agreed to enhance their countries’ economic and energy ties.
It’s Mr. Wickremesinghe’s first official state visit since becoming President last year, following an economic meltdown. India supported Sri Lanka during a crucial period between January and July of the previous year while the country was facing a financial crisis. India’s aid of nearly $4 billion helped the country meet its urgent import needs and ensure the continued availability of essential commodities like fuel and medicine.
“The past one year has been full of challenges for the people of Sri Lanka. Being a close friend, as always, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Sri Lanka,” Mr. Modi said.
The Indian Prime Minister stated that the two leaders have “adopted a vision document for our Economic Partnership” with the aim of reinforcing connectivity in maritime, air, energy, and people-to-people interactions. This vision document seeks to accelerate cooperation in areas such as tourism, power, trade, higher education, and skill development.
Mr. Modi also noted that the two sides would work quickly to connect their electricity grids and study the feasibility of building a petroleum pipeline and a land bridge between the countries.
Mr. Wickremesinghe remarked that, “constructing a multi-product petroleum pipeline from the southern part of India to Sri Lanka will ensure an affordable and reliable supply of energy to Sri Lanka.”
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