NSA Ajit Doval calls on SL President Ranil Wickremesinghe

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Jul 21 2023 02:49 PM
P C Thomas

NSA Ajit Doval calls on SL President Ranil Wickremesinghe

New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe in New Delhi on Friday.

Wickremesinghe, who arrived in New Delhi yesterday for a two-day visit, received a warm welcome from Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan.

Later today, Wickremesinghe is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

Following his engagements at the Hyderabad House, Wickremesinghe will also meet his Indian counterpart, President Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

During his meeting with the Sri Lankan President, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed confidence that the discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Jaishankar tweeted, "Honored to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka during his India visit. Confident that his meeting with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will enhance our neighborly bonds and propel India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies."

The visit of Sri Lankan President to India will further strengthen the multi-faceted partnership between the two nations, noted Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. This visit marks the first time the Sri Lankan President has visited India since assuming office.

The Sri Lankan President's visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the discussions during his stay in the national capital will focus on increased financial and economic connectivity, maritime security, and more, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The visit aims to bolster the long-standing friendship between the two nations and explore opportunities for enhanced connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.

Meanwhile, earlier today, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani tweeted about his meeting with Wickremesinghe to discuss multiple projects in the island nation, including the development of the Colombo Port West Container Terminal (WCT).