NEW DELHI — India and Sri Lanka Monday adopted a futuristic vision to expand
their partnership, resolved to soon conclude a defence cooperation pact and
decided to ramp up energy ties by establishing electricity grid connectivity
and multi-product petroleum pipelines.
The decisions were taken during wide-ranging talks between
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka.
Prime Minister Modi said both sides decided to emphasise
investment-led growth and connectivity for the India-Sri Lanka economic
partnership, and it was decided that physical, digital and energy connectivity
will be key pillars of the cooperation.
Work will be done to establish electricity grid connectivity
and multi-product petroleum pipelines, Modi said, adding India will supply
liquefied natural gas to the island nation's power plants.
The prime minister also announced that a ferry service will
be started between Rameshwaram and Talaimanar to boost connectivity between the
two nations.
"We both agree that our security interests are
interconnected. We have decided to soon finalise the defence cooperation
agreement. There has also been an agreement for cooperation on
hydrography," Modi said.
The vexed fishermen issue also figured in the talks.
"We also discussed issues related to the livelihood of
fishermen. We agree that we must proceed with a humanitarian approach to this
matter," Modi said.
Referring to the Tamil issue, Modi said India hopes that the
Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of the community.
The prime minister also noted that India has so far provided
Lines of Credit and grant assistance worth USD 5 billion to Sri Lanka.
"We have cooperation in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka
and selection of our projects is always based on priorities of our partner
countries," PM Modi said.
