External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Colombo on Thursday, marking his first visit since the start of the new term. During his trip, he will engage in discussions with Sri Lanka’s leadership.
EAM Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman for their warm reception. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.
“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership. Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies,” Jaishankar posted on X.
During his stay, Jaishankar will hold discussions on a broad range of topics related to the partnership between India and Sri Lanka. “This will be EAM’s first bilateral visit after the formation of a new Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA stated in an official release on Wednesday.
The visit underscores India’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka, its closest maritime neighbor. “Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend. The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” the Ministry added.
Jaishankar, a key BJP leader who guided India’s diplomatic direction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term, has resumed his role as External Affairs Minister in the new government and returned to his duties at the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block last week.