Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka will increase China’s anxiety, know which issues were discussed with the new President Anura Dissanayake

Colombo:  China’s uneasiness is expected to increase due to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka. Jaishankar has reached Colombo for the first time today after the formation of a new government in Sri Lanka. He is on a one-day visit to meet the leadership of the island nation less than a fortnight after Anura Kumar Disanayake was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s President. Jaishankar wrote on the social media platform ‘X’ soon after landing at Colombo airport, “It is good to be back in Colombo. I am excited about my meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership today.”

A while ago, Jaishankar also met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. After this, he wrote on Twitter that I am honored to meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today. Hearty congratulations to him on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. Appreciate his heartfelt sentiments and guidance for India-Sri Lanka relations. During this, ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations for the benefit of the people of both countries and the region were discussed.

Let us tell you that Jaishankar is the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka after the Dissanayake-led ‘National People’s Power’ (NPP) government came to power on 23 September. Therefore, China’s troubles are bound to increase. China is keeping a close eye on Jaishankar’s visit. Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Aruni Vijaywardene and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha welcomed Jaishankar at the airport.

Jaishankar first met the new Foreign Minister.

After reaching Sri Lanka, Jaishankar first met the new Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. After this, he wrote on his X account that “Comprehensive and detailed talks were held with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in Colombo today. Once again congratulated her on the new responsibilities. Reviewed various dimensions of the India-Sri Lanka partnership. Also assured her of India’s continued support in Sri Lanka’s economic reconstruction. Our Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR approach will always guide the progress of India-Sri Lanka relations.”

Discussion on strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations

Officials said Jaishankar discussed Indian projects with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake in Colombo. Underlined their importance in bilateral relations between the two countries. However, Dissanayake had raised objections to some Indian projects, especially the sustainable energy projects run by the Adani Group, while in the opposition. He had promised to cancel these projects if he came to power and claimed that these projects were against the interests of Sri Lanka. In such a situation, Jaishankar’s meeting with President Anura Dissanayake is considered very important. His visit “Keeping in mind India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR vision, this visit underlines the shared commitment of both countries to further deepen the long-term partnership for mutual benefit.”