India a Model in Building Relations with Neighboring Countries – High Commissioner Santosh Jha

15-Sep-2025

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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, stated that India sets an example in building relationships with neighboring countries, despite unequal alliances between large and small nations.

Under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, India has offered Sri Lanka access to its vast markets that exceeds what it receives in return.

The High Commissioner made these remarks during a reception organized in honor of the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association. The event followed a successful visit to India in August by the association’s delegation, led by Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa.

In his address, the High Commissioner emphasized the deep, cultural, and people-oriented relationship between India and Sri Lanka. 

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Sri Lanka in April, he described it as a turning point in bilateral relations. 

He highlighted the significant benefits arising from the visit, including cooperation in power, security, digital transformation, capacity building, healthcare, railways, and special development assistance for the Eastern Province.

The High Commissioner reiterated that India remains a model in building regional relationships and is committed to balanced engagement with neighboring countries.

He further recalled that despite being a developing country, India provided substantial and unconditional support to Sri Lanka even during challenging periods in 2022.

Highlighting India’s strong economic resurgence, the High Commissioner said India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major driver of global growth. He emphasized that India and Sri Lanka are natural partners in maintaining peace, ensuring maritime security, and promoting a rules-based regional order.

He expressed confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Association will continue as a vibrant platform for dialogue, mutual benefit, and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa thanked the Indian government for facilitating the delegation’s meetings and shared that discussions included public health, affordable medicine, education, vocational training, and innovation. 

Delegates visited leading healthcare institutions and emerging startups, gaining valuable insights into parliamentary practices and observing India’s ongoing significant economic transformation.

The reception was attended by several members of the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association. 

The Indian High Commission in Colombo stated that the event reaffirmed the deep bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.