President Ranil meets Indian counterpart in New Delhi

President Ranil Wickremesinghe called on his Indian counterpart President Droupadi Murmu on Friday (July 21) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Welcoming the Sri Lankan leader, the Indian Head of State said that Sri Lanka occupies a special place in her country’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth of All in the Region) Vision.

President Murmu noted that New Delhi’s multi-pronged support to Sri Lanka in the past year to tide over its economic challenges is a testament to its long-standing commitment to bilateral relations with the island nation.

She emphasized that India has always stood with Sri Lanka during its hour of need and would continue to do so in the future as well.

President Murmu said that India’s partnership is enduring and beneficial to the common people of the two countries and the larger Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The two leaders noted that India and Sri Lanka are working on many key projects in several sectors and that India-Sri Lanka development partnership has touched the lives of Sri Lankans in a positive way.

President Murmu said that India looks forward to continuing and strengthening its developmental partnership with Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe.

Earlier today, President Wickremesinghe held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which a wide range of matters were discussed.

President Wickremesinghe arrived in India on Thursday evening (20 July), and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.

This is his first visit since assuming the office of President. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.