According to a report by the "Print" newspaper on October 18, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Amarasuriya, during her first visit to India after taking office, called for upgrading the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and further strengthening bilateral cooperation. It is reported that from October 16 to 18, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited India, meeting with Prime Minister Modi and other Indian government officials, and delivered a speech at her alma mater, Delhi's Hindu University, in her capacity as an "outstanding alumnus." Amarasuriya praised India's rapid transformation into one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, stating that the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) characterized by infrastructure, green transition, and digital revolution provides valuable experience for developing countries. In terms of economic cooperation, Amarasuriya pointed out that India is Sri Lanka's largest investor, economic partner, and source of tourists. Currently, India is building a global manufacturing hub, while Sri Lanka has the potential to become a complementary production base for India's textile, electronics, and food processing industries. She expressed hope that both countries will restart negotiations on the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement and upgrade the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, promoting Sri Lanka's integration into the overall supply chain of relevant Indian industries. In terms of security cooperation, she called for collaboration between the two countries in areas such as combating drug trafficking, joint efforts against piracy, and ensuring energy security. Notably, Amarasuriya emphasized that Indian fishermen illegally entering the waters near Katchatheevu Island and hindering normal fishing is an "unavoidable sensitive issue," which requires careful handling by both sides and seeking long-term solutions. (Editor's note: In 1974, then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to transfer the jurisdiction of the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. In 1991, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Sri Lanka return it to India. Over the past two decades, the Sri Lankan authorities have detained more than 6,000 Indian fishermen in the Katchatheevu area.)
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846486756019212/
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