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VP Radhakrishnan Heads to Sri Lanka to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan will undertake a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, marking the first such bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President. The trip includes meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to reinforce historical ties. The visit follows recent high-level discussions focused on energy security amid disruptions from the West Asia conflict. It underscores India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR partnership with Sri Lanka.

Key Points: India VP Visits Sri Lanka, Meets President Dissanayake

  • First bilateral visit by an Indian VP
  • Focus on energy cooperation & regional security
  • Follows recent high-level engagements
  • Reinforces people-to-people ties
3 min read

VP Radhakrishnan to visit Colombo, meet Lankan President Dissanayake

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan's visit to Colombo aims to reinforce India-Sri Lanka ties, focusing on energy security and Neighbourhood First Policy.

"Sri Lanka is a key partner in India's Vision MAHASAGAR as well as its Neighbourhood First Policy. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, April 17

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-day visit from April 19-20 during which he will hold talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

This will be the first bilateral visit by the Vice President of India to Sri Lanka. During his visit, he will also meet other dignitaries and Indian diaspora leaders in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday.

"Sri Lanka is a key partner in India's Vision MAHASAGAR as well as its Neighbourhood First Policy. The visit of the Hon'ble Vice President to Sri Lanka follows recent high-level engagements between the two nations and will further reinforce the millenia-old people-to-people ties that bind India and Sri Lanka," the MEA stated in a release.

Last month, Dissanayake expressed gratitude to India for swift support amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia after 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel shipped by New Delhi reached Colombo.

He noted that India's swift response came after he had spoken about Sri Lanka facing fuel disruption with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone call.

"Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India's swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM S Jaishankar for his close coordination," Dissanayake had posted on X.

On March 24, President Dissanayake and PM Modi held a telephonic conversation and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions impacting global energy security. The two leaders reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two nations and enhancing regional security.

"Spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security. We reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security. As close and trusted partners, we reaffirmed our commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges," he posted on X.

A day before, on March 23, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar had also held a telephonic conversation with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath to discuss the repercussions of the West Asia conflict.

"A good conversation with FM Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka. Discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict. India stands committed to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see our Neighbourhood First policy in action. Helping Sri Lanka with fuel during their time of need was the right thing to do. Hope this visit strengthens economic cooperation too, especially for our fishermen's issues.
R
Rohit P
While I support strong ties, we must be cautious. Our assistance should come with clear understanding on strategic matters, especially regarding other powers' influence in the Indian Ocean. The visit is timely.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Colombo, the Indian fuel shipment was a lifeline. The diaspora here is very excited for the VP's visit. It reinforces the deep cultural and family bonds between our countries.
V
Vikram M
Millennia-old ties indeed. From Ramayana to Buddhism to trade, our histories are intertwined. Diplomacy is important, but the real strength is in our shared culture and people-to-people connections.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I hope such high-level engagements also translate to tangible benefits for common citizens on both sides. Easier travel, more trade opportunities, and joint projects in renewable energy would be great outcomes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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