India, Sri Lanka Ink Pacts As PM Modi, Ranil Wickremesinghe Hold Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with visiting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe largely focusing on boosting overall economic and strategic cooperation.

Several Agreements were exchanged between India and Sri Lanka in the presence of PM Modi and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, in Delhi.

One of these Agreements is for network-to-network agreements for the UPI acceptance in Sri Lanka.

PM Modi reaffirmed his stance on India's "Neighbourhood first policy" and SAGAR' vision during his joint press conference with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"We agree on the enhancement of air connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. To increase trade and travel by people, we have taken the decision to start passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka," PM Modi said.

"Sri Lanka also has an important place in both India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision. Today we shared our views on bilateral, regional and international issues. We believe that the security interests and development of India and Sri Lanka are intertwined," the prime minister said.

"The Agreement signed to launch UPI in Sri Lanka, will increase Fintech connectivity," he added.

"Today, we also discussed the issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agree that we should go ahead on the matter with a humane approach. We also spoke about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe told me about his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Govt will fulfill the aspirations of Tamils and take forward the process for equality, justice and peace. We hope it will fulfill its commitment to the implementation of the 13th Amendment and Provincial Council Elections," the prime minister said.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the great strides India continues to make under his leadership.

"I have congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the great strides India continues to make under his leadership in economic infrastructure and technological progress in ensuring growth and prosperity for the people of India. We believe that India's growth will be beneficial to the neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region," said Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"I have also appraised Prime Minister Modi of the extraordinary challenges that Sri Lanka has experienced in economic, social and political terms in the past year and of the reform measures I have spearheaded on a number of fronts in overcoming these challenges. I have conveyed to Prime Minister Modi and to the government and the people of India a profound appreciation for the solidarity and support rendered to Sri Lanka in what was undoubtedly the most challenging period in our modern history," he added.