50 Indian Fishermen Released as EAM Jaishankar Meets Sri Lankan President Dissanayake

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday, emphasizing the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Posting on X after the meeting, Jaishankar expressed his honor in meeting Dissanayake, conveying warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He appreciated Dissanayake’s sentiments regarding India-Sri Lanka relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation for the benefit of both nations and the region.

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first trip to Sri Lanka since Dissanayake assumed office as the ninth Executive President on September 23. Dissanayake highlighted that discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in tourism, energy, and investment, reaffirming India’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, as well as the importance of ongoing cooperation in fisheries, security, and national unity.

Before the meeting, it was announced that 50 Indian fishermen, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy last month for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), were released and set to return home soon. The Indian High Commission in Colombo confirmed their repatriation from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu later this week.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during his visit. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Lankan Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and held detailed discussions with the new Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

In a statement on X, Jaishankar congratulated Herath on his new role and reviewed various aspects of the India-Sri Lanka partnership, assuring him of India’s continued support in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He reaffirmed that India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR vision would guide future collaborations.

As Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbor and a longstanding ally, India plays a crucial role in the country’s recovery from its severe economic crisis. Prime Minister Modi was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Dissanayake on his electoral victory, expressing his eagerness to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.