External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday, marking his first visit in his second consecutive term in office. During this visit, he will engage in discussions with Sri Lankan leaders to strengthen bilateral relations. Upon his arrival in Colombo, Jaishankar was welcomed by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province.

“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership,” Jaishankar posted on X. This visit comes after the Indian government raised the Kachchatheevu Island issue during the recent general elections.

India’s SAGAR Policy

Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, according to Jaishankar. India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy focuses on fostering friendly and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries. The SAGAR initiative represents India’s vision for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

This trip to Sri Lanka is Jaishankar’s first standalone bilateral visit since he took office as External Affairs Minister for the second term on June 11. He recently accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Outreach summit in Italy’s Apulia region.

Kachchatheevu Island Controversy

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi stated that Jaishankar will meet with Sri Lankan leaders to discuss a wide range of issues. “This will be the external affairs minister’s first bilateral visit after the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA noted. “Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underscores India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbor and time-tested friend,” the MEA added in a statement. However, it did not specify whether the Kachchatheevu Island issue would be addressed during this visit.

The visit aims to boost connectivity projects and other areas of cooperation between the two countries. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was one of seven top leaders from the region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9.