Will take ties to new level, says Gotabaya Rajapaksa
In a dialogue with newly elected Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his three-day tour to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a line of credit of USD 400 million for development projects in Sri Lanka besides granting a separate f...
by Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury
NEW DELHI: India on Friday announced a fresh Line of Credit of $ 400 million to Sri Lanka for development projects besides $50 million for security related matters, including counter terrorism, as new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured to take bilateral partnership to a ‘new level’. India also announced $100 million Line of Credit for solar projects.
PM Narendra Modi said, "It is matter of honour that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to visit India after assuming charge of the country."
He underlined that a stable Sri Lanka was of interest for India and the entire Indian Ocean Region. “A stable, secure and prosperous Sri Lanka is not only in India's interest, but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean Region... The security and development of our two countries are inseparable. Therefore, it is natural that we should be aware of each other's safety and sensibilities,” Modi said, suggesting indirectly that Rajapaksa to safeguard Indian interests from any visits by Chinese submarines in Lankan waters.
“We held very fruitful talks. I assured the Sri Lankan President of India’s help in overall development of the country," said Modi, adding “I have discussed in detail mutual security and to further strengthen mutual cooperation against terrorism. Sri Lankan police officers in major Indian institutions are already receiving the benefit of counter terrorism training. I am happy to announce a special Line of Credit of $50 million to Sri Lanka to combat terrorism.”
Referring to Tamils in the island nation, Modi said that he was confident that the Rajapaksa government would fulfil aspirations of the community. “We also openly exchanged views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me about his inclusive political outlook on ethnic harmony. I am confident that the government of Sri Lanka will carry forward the process of reconciliation, to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, peace and respect. It also includes the implementation of the 13th amendment. India will become a trusted partner for development throughout Sri Lanka including North and East,” said the PM.
Rajapaksa said that the focus of talks was on security and economic cooperation, and assured that he would strive to take his country’s bilateral relationship with India to a “very high level".
Earlier, speaking to reporters after a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said that both India and Sri Lanka need to work together on issues relating to security and overall welfare of the people of the two countries.
A range of issues, including fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, situation in the Indian Ocean region and steps to boost trade and investment ties figured in the talks.
NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Rajapaksa and discussed a gamut of bilateral and regional issues.
People familiar with Indo-Lankan ties told ET that Modi is keen to ensure that India’s projects continue under the new regime. The two leaders also discussed continuation of Indian projects in Lanka, including housing projects, work on oil tankers and a railway line.