Prime Minister Modi further said that India and Sri Lanka are 'more effective' when they work together, adding that the threat of terrorism has made such an alliance necessary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean in the 21st century, adding that the direction it takes will be determined by the countries in the region.
"The Indian Ocean is critical to the security and prosperity of our two countries. And, we can be more successful in achieving these goals if we work together; build a climate of trust and confidence; and we remain sensitive to each other's interest. We deeply value our security cooperation with Sri Lanka. We should expand the maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to include others in the Indian Ocean area," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament here.
"I often say that the course of the 21st century would be determined by the currents of the Indian Ocean. Shaping its direction is a responsibility for the countries in the region. We are two countries at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean. Your leadership and our partnership will be vital for building a peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous maritime neighbourhood," he added.
Prime Minister Modi further said that India and Sri Lanka are 'more effective' when they work together, adding that the threat of terrorism has made such an alliance necessary.
"The security of our two countries is indivisible. Equally, our shared responsibility for our maritime neighbourhood is clear. India and Sri Lanka are too close to look away from each other. Nor can we be insulated from one another. Our recent histories have shown that we suffer together; and we are more effective when we work with each other," he said.
"Our cooperation helped deal with the devastation of Tsunami in 2004. As a Chief Minister, I was pleased to share our experience in reconstruction after the Bhuj earthquake in 2001. Our cooperation is also integral to our success in combating terrorism and extremism. For both of us, local threats remain. But, we see threats arising in new forms and from new sources. We are witnessing globalisation of terrorism. The need for our cooperation has never been stronger than today," he added.
Calling the present political climate a time for the 'renewal' of New Delhi-Colombo relations, Prime Minister Modi thanked Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena for choosing India as the destination for his first trip abroad since taking office.
"Sri Lanka and India are at a moment of a great opportunity and responsibility – for realising the dreams of our people. This is also a time for renewal in our relationship; for a new beginning and new vigour in our partnership. We have to ensure that our proximity always translates into closeness," he said.
"We were honoured that President Sirisena chose India as his first destination last month. I am honoured to be his first guest here. This is how it should be between neighbours. Tomorrow I will go to Talaimannar to flag off the train to Madhu Road. This is part of the old India –Lanka rail link. I have come with the hope of building this bridge – a bridge that rests on strong pillars of our shared inheritance; of shared values and vision; of mutual support and solidarity; of friendly exchanges and productive cooperation; and, above all, belief in each other and our shared destiny," he added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight to be in Colombo and said that India is privileged to be Sri Lanka's development partner.
He also called for a long term solution to the fishermen issue, stating that it involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}