Sri Lankan Prime Minister visits India: Terrorism and Trade discussed

On February 8, 2020, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa held high level talks with PM Modi during his five-day visit to India. The leaders held talks about terrorism, trade and economic projects in New Delhi

Highlights

The meet will enhance mutual economic trade and investment. The leaders also discussed improving tourism and connectivity. On the side lines of the meet, PM Modi announced that India will provide a grant of 400 million USD for developmental projects in Sri Lanka. The countries also have plans to expand the housing projects undertaken by India in the island to all parts of the country. India has also allocated 50 million USD to help the country deal with terrorism.

It is to be noted that in 2019, India granted a line of credit of 450 million USD to Sri Lanka.

India-Sri Lanka

The location of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean has been strategic geopolitical relevance to many major powers. The Chinese are building gigantic modern ports in the Indian Ocean. It includes Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Gwadar (Pakistan), Kyauk Phru (Myanmar) and Chittagong (Bangladesh).

Therefore, it is essential for India to maintain close ties with the island nation to resist the increase of foreign presence in the IOR.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020