India, Sri Lanka decide to ramp up defense, energy, trade ties

NEW DELHI: India and Sri Lanka Monday adopted a futuristic vision to expand their partnership, resolved to soon conclude a defence cooperation pact and decided to ramp up energy ties by establishing electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines.

The decisions were taken during wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka.

Prime Minister Modi said both sides decided to emphasize investment-led growth and connectivity for the India-Sri Lanka economic partnership, and it was decided that physical, digital and energy connectivity will be key pillars of the cooperation.

Work will be done to establish electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines, Modi said, adding India will supply liquefied natural gas to the island nation's power plants.

The prime minister also announced that a ferry service will be started between Rameshwaram and Talaimanar to boost connectivity between the two nations.

"We both agree that our security interests are interconnected. We have decided to soon finalise the defence cooperation agreement. There has also been an agreement for cooperation on hydrography," Modi said.

The vexed fishermen issue also figured in the talks.

"We also discussed issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agree that we must proceed with a humanitarian approach to this matter," Modi said.

Referring to the Tamil issue, Modi said India hopes that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of the community.

The prime minister also noted that India has so far provided Lines of Credit and grant assistance worth USD 5 billion to Sri Lanka.

"We have cooperation in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and selection of our projects is always based on priorities of our partner countries," PM Modi said.