PM Modi Meets SL PM Harini, Reinforces Regional Partnership

PM Modi on Friday met his Sri Lankan counterpart, Harini Amarasuriya, at his official residence in New Delhi, marking her first visit to India since assuming office in September 2024.

The high-profile meeting, which comes at a crucial juncture in Indo-Lankan relations, was seen as a platform to reinforce bilateral ties across multiple sectors. Following the talks, Modi highlighted the breadth of the discussions, ranging from development cooperation and innovation to the welfare of fishermen.

“Glad to welcome Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ms. Harini Amarasuriya. Our discussions covered a broad range of areas, including education, women’s empowerment, innovation, development cooperation and welfare of our fishermen,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He further stressed that as close neighbours, India and Sri Lanka’s cooperation is vital for the prosperity of both peoples and the wider South Asian region.

PM Modi: Meeting Follows Stalin’s Strong Letter to Modi

The Narendra Modi Harini Amarasuriya meeting came just a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to address the recurring hardships faced by Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay region. In a detailed letter, Stalin emphasized that since 2021, 1,482 fishermen and 198 fishing boats had been apprehended in 106 separate incidents by Sri Lankan authorities, inflicting economic and emotional distress on Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities.

Stalin also pressed for the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka decades ago without Tamil Nadu’s consent, arguing that restoring traditional fishing rights in Palk Bay was crucial for resolving the crisis.

Fishermen Still in Sri Lankan Custody

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s letter underscored the urgency of the situation, revealing that 76 fishermen and 242 fishing boats from the state remain in Sri Lankan custody. He called upon the central government to secure their immediate release through diplomatic efforts.

“The Government of Tamil Nadu has consistently sought the intervention of the Government of India to address these issues through diplomatic channels… I urge you to press for the repatriation of our fishermen and the release of their vessels,” the letter stated.

Also Read : H-1B Visa Fee: U.S. Chamber Sues Trump Administration