Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’s on a three-day go to to Sri Lanka, was conferred with the very best civilian honour of the nation ‘Mithra Vibhushan’ by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. Each leaders additionally held delegation-level talks, following which they, for the primary time ever, inked an bold defence cooperation pact.
PM Modi thanked the President and mentioned the honour is a “nice matter of satisfaction”
“This honour is not only mine however it belongs to the 140 crore individuals of India. It’s a tribute to the historic and deep friendship between the individuals of India and Sri Lanka. For this recognition, I categorical my heartfelt gratitude to the Authorities of Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake, and the individuals of this nation,” Modi mentioned, whereas addressing a press meet following the talks.
“As Prime Minister, that is my fourth go to to Sri Lanka. My earlier go to in 2019 got here at a really delicate time. Even then, I had religion that Sri Lanka would rise, and rise stronger. I actually admire the braveness and resilience of the individuals right here. At the moment, seeing Sri Lanka as soon as once more on the trail of progress fills me with happiness. It’s a matter of satisfaction for India that we’ve fulfilled our responsibility as a real and accountable neighbour and pal,” he mentioned.
Hailing India’s contribution to Sri Lanka, Modi mentioned, “in each troublesome state of affairs, India stood with Sri Lanka — be it the 2019 terror assault, Covid pandemic or the current financial disaster.”
“President Dissanayake selected India for his very first international go to, and I had the honour of being his first international visitor. This displays the depth of our bilateral ties. Underneath our ‘Neighbourhood First’ coverage and SAGAR imaginative and prescient, Sri Lanka holds a particular place. Prior to now 4 months since President Dissanayake’s go to to India, there was exceptional progress in our cooperation,” the PM added in his tackle.
Earlier, welcoming the chief, President Dissanayake mentioned: “This go to displays the closeness and friendliness of the relations that Sri Lanka and India have been making certain. Sri Lanka and India have shared extra than simply geographical proximity… Greater than this shut geographical proximity, we’ve many different considerations. We’re neighbours with deep historic and cultural ties that return over a protracted time period, and our time-tested relationship is constructed on shared values, mutual respect and customary pursuits.”
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“I conveyed to PM Modi that India’s help to Sri Lanka in instances of want and persevering with solidarity are deeply cherished,” he added.
India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation pact
In a joint assertion following their delegation-level talks, Modi and President Dissanayake inked a defence cooperation pact. The 2 sides additionally signed a pact to develop Trincomalee as an vitality hub, in addition to inking an settlement to facilitate New Delhi’s multi-sectoral grant help to Sri Lanka’s jap area.
Other than placing a stamp on different agreements, the 2 leaders nearly inaugurated the Sampur solar energy undertaking.
Earlier, as PM Modi arrived in Sri Lanka, he was accorded a tri-services ceremonial welcome on the nation’s Independence Sq. within the coronary heart of the capital metropolis of Colombo, in maybe the primary such honour given to a international chief, as per information company PTI.
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The talks have been held a day after Modi arrived in Colombo after concluding his journey to Bangkok the place he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Financial Cooperation).
— With PTI inputs
