India’s Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (Nov. 17) to delve into their multidimensional bilateral relationship, which remains a priority for the Indian government under its Neighbourhood First Policy.
Minister Rijiju, who was in Malé at the invitation of Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu for the presidential inauguration ceremony, took the opportunity to engage in discussions with President Wickremesinghe.
“Honoured to call on President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka H E @RW_UNP. Discussed India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relationship which is multidimensional and a priority under Hon’ble PM @narendramodi’s #NeigbourhoodFirst and #SAGAR Policy,” Minister Rijiju posted on X.
India’s Neighbourhood First policy aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade and investment, and foster a secure and stable neighbourhood. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) represents India’s doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Amid Sri Lanka’s severe financial crisis in 2022, the most significant since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, India provided substantial assistance of about USD 4 billion last year through various credit lines and currency support, aligning with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
In January of this year, India made history by becoming the first country to submit its letter of support for the financing and debt restructuring of Sri Lanka to the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF).
