Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the National Security Advisor of India Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, on Monday (16).
The High Commission said that duo discussed matters pertaining to India-Sri Lanka relations. The discussion focused on mutual strategic interests of the two countries and priority areas for cooperation, it added.
The meeting took place as part of the regular and ongoing dialogue between the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and the National Security Advisor of India, noted the High Commission.
The meeting took place days ahead of the reported visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Sri Lanka.
The Hindu website said that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo on Thursday (19) will focus on “supporting Sri Lanka” in its current economic crisis.
The Hindu reported that talks are ongoing in the field of energy security, food security, currency swap arrangements as well as talks about restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.
The two-day visit is expected to see some announcements.
A source said “India is expected to give a positive response to Sri Lanka’s requirements, in keeping with India’s support last year as well,” citing India’s combined package of about $4 billion including loans, credit lines for the purchase of essentials and a loan deferment through the Asian Clearing Union.
In addition, talks are expected on two possible MoU’s on the Trincomalee development project and the long pending plan for a cross-strait transmission line that would allow Sri Lanka access to India’s plans for an energy grid along with other countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
While assisting Sri Lanka with its current economic difficultires is a priority, Jaishankar’s visit, his first with the six month old government in Colombo, would see a comprehensive review of bilateral ties.