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India, Sri Lanka Call for Collective Counter-Terrorism Action

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discusses counter-terrorism with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “terrorism is a joint threat” for India and Sri Lanka, during his state visit to the neighbouring nation

During his visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday, PM Narendra Modi attended a series of short meetings with both the government and opposition of the country regarding terrorism.

Reportedly, the meetings, held in Colombo, dealt primarily with economic cooperation and collective counter-terrorism action.

PM Modi scheduled the brief trip on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s invitation. In a tweet, the Indian Prime Minister called the visit “short but immensely fruitful.”

As confirmed by PM Modi, Sunday marked a second meeting between the two leaders within a short span of 10 days.

The Indian PM tweeted, “President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Reiterated India’s commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future”

A statement from President Sirisena’s media division asserted, “Since both Sri Lanka and India have been victims of terrorism, both the leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and decided to step up cooperation in this critical area.”

Incumbent Leader of Opposition and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also held talks with the Indian PM at India House in Colombo.

According to official sources, the opposition leader told PM Modi that India must lead the region in both socio-economic development and counter terrorism.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe received PM Narendra Modi at the airport for the hardly 5 hour-long visit.

Following which, PM Modi was welcomed by President Sirisena. He was accorded with a guard of honour and a 19-gun salute.

Amid sudden rain, the Sri Lankan President held the umbrella for the Indian Prime Minister. He also gifted PM Modi with a handcrafted white teak replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue.

President Sirisena later tweeted, “Thank you Narendra Modi, for your brief, but highly productive visit to our country today, thus proving you are a true friend of ours.”

He added, “I highly appreciate and value your kind gesture, support and cooperation extended to Sri Lanka.”

The trip was scheduled right after the Maldives state visit. PM Modi was accompanied by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.  

During his time in Colombo, the Indian Prime Minister also visited St. Anthony’s Church to pay respects to April 21 Bombings’ martyrs.

Also read: http://diplomacybeyond.com/india-china-to-fast-track-talks-on-boundary-issue/