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Informist, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024

 

NEW DELHI – India and Sri Lanka on Monday decided to strengthen ties in the sectors of energy, trade, and security, and adopted a futuristic vision for the partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Following a bilateral meeting with Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi, Modi said both countries had decided to work to establish electricity-grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines between them.

 

"The Sampur Solar Power Project shall be accelerated," Modi said. "Additionally, LNG (liquefied natural gas) shall be supplied for Sri Lanka's power plants. Both sides shall endeavour to accomplish the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement soon, to promote bilateral trade."

 

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the countries had also decided to consider a proposal for joint development of offshore wind power potential in the Palk Straits.

 

Underlining that the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement had enhanced the partnership between the countries, both leaders decided to increase trade settlement in local currencies and encourage investments in key sectors in the island nation to enhance its export potential.

 

"The two leaders agreed on the need to continue discussions for early finalization of the proposed bilateral social security agreement," the ministry said in a statement.

 

"We have decided to provide a grant support of $14.9 million towards the rejuvenation of the signalling system of the Maho to Anuradhapura rail section," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing.

 

Meanwhile, Dissanayake assured India that his country would not allow its territory to be used against India's interests. This comes after New Delhi in the past repeatedly expressed concern over Chinese spy ships docking in Lankan waters.

 

Dissanayake became president of the island nation in September and this is his first visit abroad. The Sri Lankan president began his three-day visit to India Sunday.  End

 

US$1 = INR 84.86

 

Reported by Kuldeep Singh

Edited by Rajeev Pai

 

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