External Affairs Minister discusses ties with Sri Lankan counterpart

New Delhi, June 21

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena, covering bilateral issues as well as regional cooperation under seven-nation grouping BIMSTEC.

The conversation came amid growing concern in India about the China-backed Colombo Port City project in Sri Lanka.

“Good conversation with FM @DCRGunawardena of Sri Lanka. Reviewed our bilateral agenda. Also discussed BIMSTEC, IORA and other regional mechanisms. Will continue to remain in close touch,” Jaishankar tweeted.

India has been pushing for expanding regional cooperation under the framework of BIMSTEC.

Besides India, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

With Sri Lanka moving ahead with the Colombo Port City project, India last week said it expects that the island nation will remain mindful of their “excellent bilateral cooperation”, including for mutual security in the maritime domain. — PTI