New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday launched a ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai Sri Lanka, hailing it as an "important milestone" in further strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties. After launching the ferry service via video conference from Delhi, PM Modi said that connectivity not only brings two cities closer but it also brings our countries, people closer and hearts closer.
Referring to the historically shared culture and commerce between India and Sri Lanka, PM Modi said that India and Sri Lanka have embarked upon a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations. Connectivity will enhance trade, tourism, bilateral ties and also create new opportunities for growth and employment.
Modi said that connectivity between India and Sri Lanka goes beyond the transport sector and the collaboration has expanded into energy, fintech and other sectors. Both governments are trying to make greater inroads in fintech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay, the Prime Minister asserting that the UPI has turned digital payments into a mass movement in India now.
PM Modi said that several housing, water, health and other projects that were implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have transformed the lives of the local people. He recalled the support that was provided to the Kankesanthurai Harbour upgradation project. He also made a mention of the construction of the Jaffna Cultural Centre among other projects in the island nation.
On enhancing energy security by connecting energy grids between the two nations, the PM said that both nations would need this to boost their developing goals further. The vision of both countries should be to reach the fruits of development to every person so effectively that none would be left behind, he added.
Prime Minister Modi recalled how Nagapattinam had played a key role in sea trade for several countries and touched upon Sangam age literature that had vivid descriptions of trade via boats and ships between India and Sri Lanka in those days.
Stating that the G20 Summit hosted by India this year mirrored its vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (global family), PM Modi said that there should be constant collaboration with different countries to share this progress, development and prosperity. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was launched during the G20 summit, was a crucial corridor for creating a massive economic impact on the whole region, he said.
