External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Sri Lanka on Thursday, marking his first bilateral visit to any foreign country in his second term. This visit is significant as it underscores India's long-standing policy of 'Neighbourhood First'. As the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted in a recent press release, the visit reaffirms India's continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbor and time-tested friend. This visit aims to add momentum to connectivity projects and foster mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.

Jaishankar’s visit comes shortly after his participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delegation at the G7 Outreach Summit in Italy last week. His upcoming trip to Sri Lanka is his first standalone bilateral visit since he assumed charge as the External Affairs Minister for the second term on June 11.

Reaffirming 'Neighbourhood First'

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy has been a cornerstone of its foreign strategy, aiming to strengthen ties with neighboring countries through economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka is a testament to this policy, as it highlights India's dedication to maintaining strong relations with its neighbors. The MEA's statement emphasizes that this visit will reinforce India's position as a supportive and engaged neighbor, especially in terms of maritime cooperation.

Addressing Bilateral Issues

During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to engage with Sri Lankan leadership on a wide range of issues, reflecting the depth and breadth of India-Sri Lanka relations. Key topics likely to be discussed include enhancing connectivity, trade, and investment, as well as cooperation in sectors like education, technology, and healthcare. These discussions aim to build on existing partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration.

The Katchatheevu Island Controversy

One of the significant issues surrounding this visit is the Katchatheevu Island controversy. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, the topic became contentious as Prime Minister Modi, citing an RTI filed by BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai, accused the Congress of ceding the island to Sri Lanka. This issue, although resolved fifty years ago according to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, has resurfaced in Indian politics, prompting discussions on the historical and current implications of the island's status.

Sabry’s response to the controversy was clear: "This is a problem discussed and resolved 50 years ago and there is no necessity to have further discussions on this. I don’t think it will come up," he told domestic media. Despite this, the issue's resurgence in Indian political discourse indicates a need for diplomatic clarity and reassurance between the two nations.

Diplomatic Engagements

The visit also follows the recent attendance of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Wickremesinghe was among the seven top leaders from the Indian neighborhood and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) who attended the event. This diplomatic gesture underscores the mutual respect and cooperation that define India-Sri Lanka relations.

Other notable attendees at the swearing-in included Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Their presence highlights the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation under the broader framework of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Future Prospects

Jaishankar's visit is expected to pave the way for deeper bilateral engagement and strategic partnerships. Enhanced connectivity projects, such as improved maritime links and infrastructure development, are likely to be high on the agenda. These initiatives not only bolster economic ties but also facilitate cultural and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening the historical bonds between the two nations.

Furthermore, cooperation in emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare will be crucial for addressing shared challenges and leveraging mutual strengths. As India and Sri Lanka navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics, such collaborative efforts will be essential for ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.

Conclusion

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Sri Lanka marks a significant step in reaffirming India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Amidst the backdrop of historical controversies and current political dynamics, the visit underscores India's commitment to fostering strong, cooperative relationships with its neighbors. By addressing key bilateral issues and enhancing connectivity projects, Jaishankar's trip aims to solidify India-Sri Lanka ties and promote regional solidarity. This visit not only highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement but also sets the stage for future collaborations that will benefit both nations.

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