India commitment to increase investment in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO

Visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar conveyed to his Sri Lankan counterpart India’s commitment to increase investment flows to accelerate economic reforms in the economically weak southern neighbour.

After his meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabri on Thursday evening, the Indian External Affairs Minister tweeted, conveyed our commitment to increasing investment flows to Sri Lanka, to accelerate economic recovery. Look forward to discussing this with leadership tomorrow morning.

Had a good meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabri and other ministerial colleagues in Colombo this evening, Jaishankar said. India-Sri Lanka cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, industry and health was discussed.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister also tweeted, “Delighted to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo.” Discussed strengthening bilateral ties, people-to-people contacts, trade and investment ties between our nations and appreciated India’s determination to assist Sri Lanka.

Jaishankar’s visit to the crisis-hit neighbour followed India’s assurance to the IMF to support the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debts.

Earlier this week Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed Parliament that debt restructuring talks with India and China were successful.

The External Affairs Minister of India, accompanied by a high-profile delegation from the Ministry, is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on 19 and 20 January.