Neighbourhood First: India and Sri Lanka Pave the Way for Regional Hub Development

financialexpress.com:

With a vision to develop Trincomalee as a regional hub, India and Sri Lanka are determined to deepen their ties through trade, digitalization, and people-to-people engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe during talks addressed the economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka, leading to various agreements and declarations of intent that signal growing economic collaboration between the two neighboring nations.A Common Vision for Enhanced Connectivity

During a special briefing in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted the importance of high-grid connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. He said that the two countries have agreed to develop Trincomalee as a regional hub and explore the resumption of passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka, aiming to boost trade and people-to-people travel.

 Air connectivity between Southern India and Sri Lanka is also under consideration, promising to further bolster economic and people-to-people links.

Additionally, the leaders expressed their intention to work towards the early resumption of ferry services between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, along with other mutually agreed places. This renewed focus on connectivity demonstrates India’s long-term commitment to fostering regional cooperation and prosperity.

Outlining the Scope of Bilateral Relations

The leaders of India and Sri Lanka reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral relationship and established a common vision for further development. Discussions encompassed various dimensions of connectivity, such as trade, digitalization, and people-to-people engagement, signaling a commitment to fostering stronger ties. Addressing the Economic