India-Sri Lanka

Indian embassy clarified that no water cannon vehicle was imported to Sri Lanka from India. They said such factually incorrect reports do not make any constructive contribution, 1 billion USD is intended to help Sri Lanka with food and other essentials. On May 5 police fired tear gas to disperse the protest of University students against the Government. Meanwhile, "Go Home Gota" movement entered its 30th day on May 8.   

​​The Indian authorities have stated that Sri Lanka has released 14 more fishermen on March 27 after releasing 40 on March 26. Reportedly, the 54 fishermen were earlier arrested and five trawlers were seized on March 24 by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing and fishing in the International maritime borders. The Indian High Commission to Sri Lanka said that bilateral mechanisms are being utilised to solve the humanitarian issue.

The bodies of four Tamil Nadu fishermen that went missing on January 18 were discovered at a Sri Lankan beach on January 21. While the Indian High Commission in Colombo was informed about the bodies, cause of death is still unclear. However, another group of fisherman has alleged that the fishermen were attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami has demanded the Centre to instigate a probe in the matter.

India and Sri Lanka held their first virtual bilateral summit on September 26, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a grant assistance of USD 15 Million to construct Buddhist monasteries and "for the promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries." The meeting that lasted for an hour was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other government officials. In the meeting, the… read-more