India and Sri Lanka share a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction that can be traced back to thousands of years….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Monday had a ‘good conversation’ with his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena and reviewed bilateral engagement between the two countries and discussed BIMSTEC, IORA and other regional issues.
“Good conversation with FM @DCRGunawardena of Sri Lanka. Reviewed our bilateral agenda. Also discussed BIMSTEC, IORA and other regional mechanisms. Will continue to remain in close touch,” Jaishankar said in his tweet.
India and Sri Lanka share a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction that can be traced back to thousands of years.
Modern-day relationship between the two has been marked by close contacts at all levels.
Trade and investment have grown exponentially and there is cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence.
Last week, India extended US$ 100 million Line of Credit to Sri Lanka for solar energy projects.
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An agreement to this effect, between the Government of Sri Lanka and EXIM Bank of India, was exchanged on June 16 in the presence of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
India and Sri Lanka share a broad understanding on major issues of international interest. They also share membership of sub-regional groupings including Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Sri Lanka is currently the Chair of BIMSTEC, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Extending warm greetings on 24th BIMSTEC Day on June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that as a manifestation of collective will, BIMSTEC has emerged as a promising regional grouping to fulfil the common aspirations of the people and serve the shared interests of the member states.
Commending Sri Lanka, the current Chair of BIMSTEC for providing able leadership to the grouping during this time, the EAM emphasized the need to continue to work together in the fight against the pandemic. (INN)