NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with Sri Lanka's President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Friday, July 21. The talks mainly revolved around enhancing overall economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

President Wickremesinghe arrived in Delhi on July 20, commencing a two-day visit—marking the first time a senior Sri Lankan leader has toured India since the island nation faced an unprecedented economic crisis last year.

During that crisis, India provided substantial financial assistance of approximately $4 billion to Sri Lanka, which included lines of credit for food and fuel purchases. Additionally, India offered guarantees to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), facilitating a $2.9 billion bailout package for the country.

The meeting between the leaders serves as an opportunity to reinforce and invigorate the longstanding India-Sri Lanka ties, especially as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, expressed this sentiment on Twitter as the talks commenced.

Prior to the high-level discussions, Sri Lanka's President, Wickremesinghe, also had a meeting with India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, focusing on security cooperation between the two nations.

Furthermore, on the evening of July 20, the visiting leader was called upon by India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to discuss various important bilateral issues.

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