India, Sri Lanka discuss challenges, opportunities in the region: Vinay Kwatra

Asked if the Chinese movement in the Indian Ocean came up during the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and  Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying by ANI, “We are neighbours. We have a long-standing and comprehensive relationship, and it is natural to speak about their concerns.”

“When India and Sri Lanka sit, they don’t only talk of opportunities that exist in economic partnership in the maritime domain but they also take a comprehensive stock assessment of the challenges they face in the maritime domain. These challenges were brought up appropriately during the discussion,” Kwatra added.

Kwatra informed further that PM Modi, at the joint press briefing, also stated that aspects related to India’s security and sensitivity were discussed.

Speaking on the Sri Lankan response to India’s security concerns, Kwatra said, “Sri Lankan side did convey to us their respect for our security and strategic sensitive concerns relating to what happens to our maritime domain.”

“Our challenges are in many ways shared challenges. Both sides will continue to monitor developments, naturally closely consult that has a bearing on the security of both countries,” he added.

Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India on July 21.

This was President Wickremesinghe’s first visit to India since assuming the current responsibilities.

He met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi.