SRI LANKA PRESIDENT MEETS PM MODI, DISCUSSES ECONOMIC STRATEGIC COOPERATION

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in wide-ranging talks with visiting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe

- 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was in town. The talks mostly centered on developing economic and strategic cooperation, and agreements were inked, including the establishment of UPI on the island nation. Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on July 20 for a two-day visit to India. After the country experienced an extraordinary economic crisis last year, this is the first trip to India by any senior Sri Lankan leader. Prior to the bilateral meetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends a warm welcome to President RW_UNP of Sri Lanka at Hyderabad House. On Friday, July 21.

An opportunity to review and lend further momentum to the long-standing ties, as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. Financial assistance of USD 4 billion was extended by India to Sri Lanka, which included lines of credit for purchasing fuel and food last year when the country suffered an economic crisis. The Indian government had also provided guarantees to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to assist the country in securing a USD 2.9 billion bailout package.