It is an honor of historical relations between people of India and Sri Lanka: PM Modi after being conferred Mithra Vibhushana medal

PM Modi was conferred with Mithra Vibhushana medal by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. 

PM Modi Mithra Vibhushana Samman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on Sri Lanka visit. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday (April 5) honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest honor 'Mithra Vibhushan'. PM Modi said that this is not my honor, but the honor of 140 crore Indians. It is an honor of the historical relations and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

PM Modi said that President Disanayake chose India for his first foreign visit. I had the privilege of being his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our foreign relations.

Security of both nations is mutually dependent

In Colombo, Modi said that he believes the security interests of both countries are aligned. The security of both nations is interconnected and mutually dependent. He expressed gratitude to President Dissanayake for his sensitivity towards India's interests. Modi welcomed the significant agreement reached in defense cooperation and noted that both countries have agreed to collaborate on the Colombo Security Conclave and enhance security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Loans worth more than $ 100 million converted into grants

Narendra Modi said that India has adopted the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas. We also give importance to the priorities of our partner countries. In the last 6 months alone, we have converted loans worth more than $ 100 million into grants. Our bilateral debt restructuring agreement will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka. Today we have decided to reduce the interest rate. This shows that India stands with the people of Sri Lanka even today.

Demand to release Indian fishermen

Bilateral talks were also held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. sought release of Indian fishermen and their boats. On the Tamil issue, Modi said that he is confident that the Sri Lankan government will fulfill the expectations of the Tamils ​​and implement the full rights given to them under the Sri Lankan Constitution.

MpU to enhance cooperation between India, UAE and Sri Lanka

A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka in the presence of PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This agreement is to enhance cooperation between India, UAE and Sri Lanka, which can mainly include areas like energy, maritime trade, and regional security.

In Colombo, Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara  Dissanayake jointly virtually inaugurated the Soumpura Solar Energy Project. The aim of the project is to meet Sri Lanka's energy needs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy. India's National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka's Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are developing it together.

Prakash Kumar Pandey