Modi, Sirisena hold talks on nuclear, other strategic issues

New Delhi, Feb 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena held talks on Monday, during which they discussed bilateral civil nuclear cooperation among other key strategic issues.

On his maiden foreign trip after assuming office, Sirisena, who arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, also held comprehensive discussions with the Prime Minister on ways to enhance economic ties.

"India and Sri Lanka leaders discussed measures to enhance economic ties. The leaders discussed four agreements," Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said as President Sirisena and Prime Minister Modi met at Hyderabad House.

The pacts which were discussed include those on civil nuclear cooperation, culture and agriculture. The issue of peace and reconciliation process in the island nation was also discussed during the meeting spread over a working lunch, hosted by Modi. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary.

According to presidential advisors in Colombo, 63-year -old Sirisena, who had dethroned Mahinda Rajapaksa from his 10-year rule after a bitter Presidential poll on January 9, was desirous of making a new beginning in the Indo-Lanka relations.

India has been hoping that the new Lankan government will develop the country on the "foundation of genuine and effective reconciliation" creating harmony among all sections there. India has also been pressing for implementation of 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution on devolution of powers.

PTI