During an official visit to Colombo, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Sri Lanka to hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections and fully implement constitutional provisions addressing Tamil aspirations, while also raising concerns about detained Indian fishermen.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka on August 5, during which he pressed the government to conduct Provincial Council elections without further delay and to implement constitutional measures aimed at meeting the aspirations of the Tamil community. Misri met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, as well as representatives from Tamil communities in Sri Lanka and those of Indian origin.
A significant portion of discussions focused on the contentious fisheries dispute between the two nations. Misri requested Sri Lanka's cooperation in securing the early release of Indian fishermen and their vessels currently detained in Sri Lankan waters. He advocated for a humanitarian approach to resolving the longstanding issue while bilateral mechanisms continue working toward a permanent solution that considers the livelihoods of fishing communities on both sides.
On security matters, Misri welcomed President Dissanayake's assurance, reiterated from a December 2024 joint statement, that Sri Lankan territory would not be used in ways detrimental to India's interests. India reaffirmed its commitment to Sri Lanka under its "Neighbourhood First" policy and Vision MAHASAGAR framework. The two countries also reviewed extensive bilateral cooperation spanning infrastructure, energy, railways, healthcare, and disaster management. According to NewsFirst, the visit produced several significant agreements, including Indian Rupee-denominated lines of credit totalling USD 350 million for railway projects and livestock development, alongside ongoing reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
