Visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs, Subramaniam Jaishankar, met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at the Temple Trees in Colombo today (23 Dec).

Minister S. Jaishankar is currently in Sri Lanka as the Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The meeting with PM Harini Amarasuriya took place as part of his official visit aimed at holding discussions with Sri Lanka’s top leadership, at a time when the nation commenced reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

During the discussions, Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s readiness to extend support for Sri Lanka, including assistance in rebuilding railways, bridges, and strengthening the agricultural sector in the country. He also highlighted the importance of having effective systems in place to respond to disaster situations, supported by strong legislative, administrative, and institutional frameworks. 

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides also reviewed ongoing relief efforts and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster response and recovery.

PM Harini Amarasuriya commended the Government of India for the continued support, noting that the recovery process following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah includes beyond immediate relief efforts to long-term measures such as resettlement, and reconstruction of habitation and infrastructure. 

PM Amarasuriya further stated that steps have been taken to reopen schools as part of the process of restoring normalcy, with close monitoring in place. 

She emphasized the need to ensure stability, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen protection mechanisms highlighting the solidarity of the people, their strong spirit of volunteerism, and collective action demonstrated during the emergency situation.

The event was attended by the High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary (IOR), MEA Puneet Agrawal, Joint Secretary (EAMO), MEA Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, Deputy High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey, and representing Sri Lankan delegation, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime minister Sagarika Bogahawatta, Director General (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Samantha Pathirana,  Deputy Director, South Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diana Perera. (Newswire)

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Visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Monday, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement on ‘X’, Minister Jaishankar said, during the meeting, that India will extend a comprehensive reconstruction package worth USD 450 million to Sri Lanka, building on its First Responder role under Operation Sagar Bandhu. 

“The package will cover rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; construction of houses fully destroyed or partially damaged; support for health and education sectors affected by the cyclone; assistance to agriculture to address potential short- and medium-term shortages; and measures to strengthen disaster response and preparedness,” he revealed.

Highlighting India’s commitment, Minister Jaishankar said the initiative reflects the deep civilisational ties between the two nations and underscores India’s firm support for Sri Lanka during this challenging period. (Newswire)

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Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar says India will provide USD 450 million to help rebuild areas damaged in Sri Lanka by Cyclone Ditwah. 

The visiting Indian Minister said that this will include Rs. 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants. 

Revealing details of the discussion with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning, he said a detailed discussion was held on the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

“The letter from PM Narendra Modi builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka. Our talks centred around how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered,” he said. 

Minister Jaishankar further said that as Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, it was only natural that India stepped forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis, similar to the economic crisis. 

He made the remarks during a joint media briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath in Colombo today. (Newswire)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has announced a USD 450 million reconstruction assistance package for Sri Lanka, comprising USD 350 million in concessionary credit and a USD 100 million grant pic.twitter.com/NmFNac8TSv

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) December 23, 2025

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya kicked off her official visit to India with a meeting with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar.

Commenting on the meeting, Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in New Delhi this morning. 

“Discussed India’s continued support to Sri Lanka and strengthening our cooperation in education and capacity building,” he added, in a post on ‘X’.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya will be in India until 18th October, during which she will hold several high-level meetings, including with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. 

She is also set to deliver the Keynote Address on “Steering Change in Uncertain Times” at the NDTV World Summit scheduled for tomorrow. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has met several foreign state officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) underway in the United States of America (USA).

Minister Vijitha Herath met US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on Tuesday.

According to the minister, constructive discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation and shared priorities.

Earlier in the day, Minister Vijitha Herath also met the Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar. 

According to the minister, the discussion focused on reaffirming the strong friendship and close cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.

Minister Vijitha Herath has accompanied President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. (Newswire)

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Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, has met with a Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation visiting New Delhi for a capacity-building program at India’s Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE).

In a post on ‘X’, Minister Jaishankar appreciated the Sri Lankan delegation’s condemnation of terrorism and expressions of sympathy on the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. 

“Discussed our Neighbourhood First policy, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. Reiterated our commitment to Sri Lanka’s development and progress,” Minister Jaishankar added.

The inaugural batch of 24 Sri Lankan participants, including Parliamentarians, left for India last week for the Capacity-Building Program in New Delhi. 

The delegation led by Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, consisting of 20 Members of Parliament representing various political parties and 4 officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament, including the Secretary General. 

Spanning across a week from 26-30 May 2025, the programme will include components of sharing best practices across legislative and budgetary processes, the system of Parliamentary Committees and other related matters between the two democracies. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reacted to the security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the UK. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the “provocative activities,” as he denounced the actions of a “small group of separatists and extremists” in the official statement.

“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” Jaiswal said.

Pro-Khalistan protesters staged a demonstration outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was participating in a discussion. The protesters, holding flags and using loudspeakers, chanted slogans while Jaishankar engaged in dialogue inside the venue.

Earlier in January, a group of pro-Khalistan activists gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to stage a protest. They also stormed a cinema in Harrow, attempting to disrupt the screening of the Kangana Ranaut starrer film Emergency.

Condemning the incident, Jaiswal had said, “We have consistently raised our concerns with the UK government regarding violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those who attempt to obstruct it must be held accountable.” (DD News)

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External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar participated in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference held in Oman and delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session.

He also launched a logo celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Oman and a book on the shared history of the two countries. The EAM also held bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Monday.

In an official statement, the MEA said that the External Affairs Minister’s keynote address in the inaugural session underscored India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

During his visit, EAM held a bilateral meeting with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, in which both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Oman relations. The EAM conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the Indian Ocean Conference and for their steadfast support in strengthening India-Oman ties. Discussions also focused on avenues for further enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, the MEA noted in its statement.

According to the Ministry, EAM Jaishankar also unveiled the specially designed logo celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, along with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. As both countries prepare to commemorate this in 2025, the logo symbolizes the long-standing partnership built on history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties.

Notably, EAM Jaishankar also launched the book, Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman, along with the Foreign Minister of Oman. Brought out by the Embassy of India in Muscat, the book highlights the rich history of the Indian diaspora in Oman and the centuries-old people-to-people ties that continue to shape bilateral relations.

On the sidelines of the conference, EAM held bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of Brunei, Bangladesh, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Nepal, discussing key regional and global issues of mutual concern and reinforcing India’s commitment to deeper engagement with the Indian Ocean region, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in its statement.
He also shared the highlights of his visit in a post on X.

The EAM’s visit to Oman reaffirms the robust and multifaceted relationship between India and Oman and sets the stage for further strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation. (ANI)

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Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, engaged in discussions with two key Sri Lankan politicians today. 

The visiting Indian official met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Commenting on the meeting, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa said he looks forward to India’s continued fullest support in advancing Sri Lanka’s stability and growth.

“Great to meet @DrSJaishankar during his visit to Sri Lanka. As he often says, ‘A strong and prosperous neighbourhood is in everyone’s interest.’ We look forward to India’s continued fullest support in advancing Sri Lanka’s stability and growth while supporting our mutual interests for regional development,” Premadasa said, in a message on ‘X’.

During his meeting with the Indian Foreign Minister, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he believes that the new government will continue to maintain the strong relationship with India which was established during his tenure.

The meeting took place at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo, which was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and former Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardena. 

Dr. Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, the first by any foreign minister after Sri Lanka’s presidential elections last month.

Upon his arrival, the Indian Foreign Minister had engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. (Newswire)

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Visiting Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today, during which discussions were held on ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties.

Taking to ‘X’, Dr. Jaishankar said it was an honour to call on President Dissanayake in Colombo today. 

During the meeting, the Indian Foreign Minister also conveyed warm greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

“Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the India- Sri Lanka relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties for the benefit of people of two countries and the region,” said the Indian Foreign Minister, revealing details of today’s discussion.

Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo is the first by any foreign minister after Sri Lanka’s presidential elections last month. (Newswire)

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India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka today on an official visit.

Taking to ‘X’, upon his arrival at the Katunayake Airport, Minister Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements with the Sri Lankan leadership today.

Following his arrival, the Indian Foreign Minister engaged in discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the two state officials discussed a range of matters of mutual interest. (Newswire)

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The Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka on 04 October 2024.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, during this visit, the External Affairs Minister of India is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister and his delegation will also have a meeting with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Jaishankar will be accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs of India. (Newswire) 

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Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Sri Lanka this week and call on newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office on September 23. 

His visit to Colombo would be the first by any foreign minister after the presidential elections last month.  

Jaishankar’s visit to the neighbouring island nation, which is expected to begin on October 4, will be closely watched as it will include high-level engagement between India and Sri Lanka after Dissanayake came to power.  

India’s high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, was the first foreign diplomat to call on Dissanayake after the outcome of the 2024 Sri Lanka was announced.

The Sri Lanka visit of the Jaishankar will be a significant opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to providing development support for its strategically situated Indian Ocean neighbour, amid worries about a shift in its foreign policy under the Marxist president.

Through Jaishankar’s Sri Lanka visit, the Indian government is also hoping to build on its outreach to Dissanayake in the past 12 months that witnessed him visiting New Delhi earlier this year, setting aside reservations over his party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) deep and longstanding resentment against India.  

During his Delhi visit, Dissanayake held talks with Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. (First Post)

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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka soon for a discussion with the new government headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

According to media reports, the Indian Minister’s one-day official visit is expected likely in October.

During his visit, S. Jaishankar is expected to engage in discussions with Sri Lanka’s new administration, including several Indian projects in the pipeline.

The two state officials have previously met, during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India before Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election. (Newswire)

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Visiting Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has engaged in discussions with high-level Sri Lankan Government officials, reviewing the progress of ongoing development projects between the two nations.

This visit marks the first diplomatic exchange between India and Sri Lanka following the inauguration of the new Indian government.

Soon after his arrival, Minister Jaishankar called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo this morning.

During the meeting, the Indian Minister and Sri Lankan President jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts. Additionally, they handed over 24 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries.

The highlight of the event was the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), comprising a main centre at the Colombo Naval Headquarters, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and unmanned installations in strategic locations across Sri Lanka’s coastline. This initiative underscores the deepening maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Minister Jaishankar later called on his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry for bilateral talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The bilateral discussions at the Foreign Ministry centred on a range of issues of mutual interest including in the areas of economic and development cooperation, cooperation in regional and multilateral fora as well as cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries among others. 

Following bilateral talks, the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister signed the Guest Book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The Indian Minister, who is on a one-day visit, also paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

Commenting on the meeting, Minister Jaishankar said he reiterated India’s strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. 

“Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of people of Sri Lanka,” he added in a post on ‘X’. (Newswire)

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India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar says Sri Lanka is central to India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.

The Indian Minister made the statement after having arrived in Sri Lanka today on an official visit.

Upon his arrival, Minister Jaishankar was welcomed by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman. 

This is Minister Jaishankar’s first visit to Sri Lanka after being reappointed under the Modi government following recent elections.

Commenting on his visit, Minister Jaishankar said he looks forward to his meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership. 

During his visit, he is scheduled to pay courtesy calls to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister and his delegation will also have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Newswire)

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India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday, June 20 2024.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, during his visit, Minister Jaishankar is scheduled to pay courtesy calls to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister and his delegation will also have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Jaishankar will be accompanied by senior officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Wickremesinghe, who was in India for Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, met with Jaishankar and congratulated him on his appointments, the President said taking to social media platform ‘X’.

“He expressed plans to visit Sri Lanka soon to oversee progress and coordinate Prime Minister Modi’s visit,” Wickremesinghe said.

The two leaders discussed resuming development projects with Indian investments, India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee.

“I informed him about the new Economic Transformation Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Bill, and updates on agricultural modernization and fishermen’s issues,” the President added. (Newswire)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday explained symbolism of ‘Bharat’ in multiple domains, saying that the country implies not only rebalancing politics and economics but it also mandates the influencing of international agenda as well as shaping of the global narrative.

He added that ‘Bharat’ is also a declaration that when India engages with the world, it doesn’t necessarily have to be done on terms that are set by others.

The EAM was giving the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lectures 2024 at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Convention Centre on the topic of ‘Bharat and the World’.

Addressing the event, he said, “Let me start with my own understanding of what is Bharat. It has multiple symbolisms in multiple domains. Economically, we can be talking about an Atmanirbhar Bharat that has the connotation of certain resilience, self-sufficiency, contribution, or talent that is expressing itself”.

“In terms of development, it implies a commitment to create an inclusive, just and fair society where no one is left behind,” he added.

The EAM added that the political symbolism of ‘Bharat’ is a statement of independence and its cultural meaning includes Indian heritage and practices.

“Politically, Bharat is a statement of independence. It is a declaration that India engages the world. That when India engages with the world, it doesn’t necessarily have to be done on terms that are set by others. Our objective in that engagement is our own personality and innate qualities come out. Then there is of course, the cultural aspect of Bharat. Here, we could be speaking about our thinking, culture, heritage and practices,” Jaishankar further said.

Further opening up on the analytical aspect of ‘Bharat’, he said that it is a “civilizational state” rather than just an “international polity”, which suggests a larger responsibility and contribution.

He added that it requires India to plan ahead for the quarter century ahead of the ‘Amrit Kaal’.

“Analytically, where international relations is concerned, Bharat also means a civilizational state rather than just an international polity. It suggests a larger responsibility and contribution; one that is expressed as a first responder, development partner, peacekeeper, bridge builder, and then upholder of rules, norms and law. It implies not only rebalancing politics and economics but in the cultural domain as well. It mandates the influencing of international agenda and the shaping of global narrative,” Jaishankar said.

He added, “Not least, it means drawing on our own history and taking a long and deliberative view of the challenges that the world faces today.

It requires us to equally serious about present, consolidating the achievement of the last decade while planning ahead for the quarter century ahead of the ‘Amrit Kaal.'” (First India) 

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Leader of the National Peoples Power (NPP) MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, India.

Taking to ‘X’, the Indian Minister said he was pleased to meet MP Dissanayake this morning. 

“A good discussion on our bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits from its further deepening.  Also spoke about Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and the path ahead,” he further said. 

Indian Minister Jaishankar also assured that India, with its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies will always be a reliable friend and trusted partner of Sri Lanka.

MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake is in India for a five-day visit on an invitation extended by the Indian government.

“This is the first time that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader, who helms the (NPP) alliance, has received an official invitation from the Government of India,” the NPP said yesterday, announcing the Indian visit. 

It is reported that the delegation is scheduled to visit three cities —New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram — and hold meetings with government officials, and members of the business community, in addition to visiting centres of excellence in agriculture and industry. (NewsWire)

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