India-Sri Lanka Strengthen Ties Through Diplomacy and Collaboration

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, extended a warm welcome to His Excellency Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment and Tourism, during his visit to India. Speaking at the event, he expressed his admiration for Herath’s leadership and the significant strides Sri Lanka has made in diplomacy, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange.

He highlighted the growing strength of the bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, underpinned by shared history, values, and cultural heritage. He commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in diplomacy and the nation’s impressive achievements in fostering regional stability.

India has played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, particularly following the 2022 crisis. With over $4 billion in financial aid, India supported Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring and economic stabilization. India has also bolstered digital and energy connectivity between the two nations, including the introduction of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka and significant investments in renewable energy projects, replacing previous Chinese-backed initiatives.

Tourism has also emerged as a crucial sector in Sri Lanka’s recovery, with over 100,000 Indian tourists visiting the country last year. Dr. Singh also touched upon the deep cultural connection between the two countries, particularly through the Ramayana, which links India and Sri Lanka through sacred sites and shared heritage.

The relationship, however, is not without challenges. Strategic concerns, particularly the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, have led Sri Lanka to take measures ensuring the security interests of both countries are upheld.

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh concluded by emphasizing the importance of the India-Sri Lanka partnership in fostering peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the region, expressing hope for continued cooperation.