Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited India, marking his first overseas trip, continuing the tradition of strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations.
Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used against India's security, which is significant due to concerns about his party’s pro-China leanings.
India is concerned about the clearance for Chinese ships visiting Sri Lanka, especially after Sri Lanka's one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels ends next month.
The joint statement emphasized India's support for Sri Lanka in agriculture, digital economy, and the establishment of a joint working group on agriculture.
Discussions on an Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement were mentioned, with 14 rounds of negotiations already held.
Both sides maintained their positions on the fisheries dispute but agreed to facilitate meetings between the fishermen's associations.
The issue of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which provides autonomy to Sri Lanka's Provincial Councils, was not mentioned in the joint statement, signaling a shift in India’s approach.
Dissanayake, with strong political support after Sri Lanka's parliamentary election, has the opportunity to set a new direction for Sri Lanka-India ties.
The visit presents an opportunity for both nations to resolve differences and strengthen bilateral ties.
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