The Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that Union Minister S. Jaishankar will go to Sri Lanka on official business on June 20.
The External Affairs Minister will meet Sri Lankan leaders during his tour to discuss a variety of topics pertaining to the bilateral partnership between the two nations.
“This will be EAM’s first bilateral visit after the formation of a new Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA said in an official statement.
Jaishankar’s visit marks India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka, being its closest maritime neighbour.
“Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend. The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
Resuming his duties in the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block last week, Jaishankar, a well-known BJP leader who guided India’s diplomatic course during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term, assumed responsibility as External Affairs Minister once again in the new government.
On June 9, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Jaishankar, 69, was sworn in as a Union Cabinet Minister.
He represents Gujarat as a BJP MP in the Rajya Sabha since 2019. The minister, who is known for his sharp responses and persuasive speeches, has spent the last ten years at the forefront of PM Modi’s team directing India’s foreign policy.
Jaishankar was the nation’s Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018, before assuming the role of Foreign Minister in 2019.
Interestingly, he was also the first Foreign Secretary to become the Minister of External Affairs.
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