New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed the cooperation between the two countries.

The leaders reviewed topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums. They agreed to maintain regular contact between relevant officials, including in the context of the continuing COVID-19 challenges.

Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

India and Sri Lanka enjoy deep racial and cultural linkages. Both the nations share a maritime border. India is the only neighbour of Sri Lanka separated by the Palk Strait. The two countries occupy a strategic position in South Asia and have sought to build a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sri Lanka has moved closer towards China in recent years and Hambantota port has reportedly been leased to Beijing for the development of various projects on it. However, with the bilateral visits from the two sides and New Delhi’s assistance to Colombo including for fighting against Covid, the relation and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka seems to be back on track.