Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, confirmed that both nations are committed to resuming discussions on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), with the intent to conclude the agreement. This affirmation follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to New Delhi.
Key Highlights:
- Resumption of ETCA Talks: The High Commissioner clarified that while there is no fixed timeline, the aim is to conclude the agreement based on mutual readiness. He stated, “The joint statement is clear. Both sides desire to continue talks with a view to concluding them.”
- Sri Lanka’s Assurance on Security: India welcomed President Dissanayake’s assurance that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used against India’s security interests.
- Strengthened Bilateral Partnership: High Commissioner Jha praised the growing maturity in the India-Sri Lanka relationship, highlighting bipartisan support in both nations for deeper economic, security, and cultural ties.
Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed:
- Economic Recovery: India’s financial support, including $4 billion in aid during 2022-2023, played a critical role in stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy.
- Energy Projects: Collaboration on LNG supply, high-capacity power grid interconnections, offshore wind energy, and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
- Debt Restructuring: India’s active role as co-chair of the Official Creditors Committee for Sri Lanka.
- Development Initiatives: Conversion of loans to grants to provide Sri Lanka with fiscal space, and ongoing development partnerships in various sectors.
Looking Forward:
The joint statement between the two nations provides a future-oriented framework for strengthening bilateral ties. It encompasses Parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment cooperation, strategic defense engagement, and resolving fishermen-related issues.
President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s critical support, emphasizing that this robust partnership is crucial for Sri Lanka’s path to prosperity.
