India’s High Commissioner Highlights Strengthened India-Sri Lanka Ties on Independence Day

Namaskar, Ayubowan, Vanakkam! On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, High Commissioner Santosh Jha extended warm greetings to Sri Lanka. He emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a developed nation by its centenary in 2047. With the Indian economy valued at USD 3.9 trillion and impressive strides in renewable energy, he highlighted the deepening India-Sri Lanka partnership. Significant progress has been made in connectivity, energy security, and trade, with a shared vision of “Prospering Together.”

India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, delivered a significant address today as India celebrated its 78th Independence Day. In his message, he emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a developed nation by 2047 and highlighted the strengthening partnership between India and Sri Lanka as a key element of this journey.

High Commissioner Jha began by reflecting on India’s impressive economic progress, noting that the Indian economy is currently valued at USD 3.9 trillion, making it the fifth-largest globally. With a growth rate of over 8% last year, India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy within the next five years. He also pointed out India’s achievements in renewable energy, where the country now ranks fourth globally in installed capacity.

Turning his attention to Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Jha praised the nation’s ongoing recovery and reform efforts. He underscored the importance of connectivity in the India-Sri Lanka partnership, highlighting recent advancements in air, maritime, trade, digital, and energy connectivity between the two countries.

Among the key initiatives mentioned was the nearing finalization of the Inter-grid power connection, which aims to enhance energy security for Sri Lanka in the near term while building export capacity for clean energy in the long term. The High Commissioner also spoke about the progress in establishing the India-Sri Lanka Land Connectivity Corridor, a project that both nations see as a game-changer for regional growth.

In addition to these connectivity initiatives, High Commissioner Jha noted the ongoing trade negotiations for an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), with the latest round of talks held in Colombo in July. He also highlighted the recent launch of UPI-based payment systems in Sri Lanka, which have boosted the FinTech sector and made it easier for Indian tourists to visit the island nation.

In his closing remarks, High Commissioner Jha emphasized India’s desire to share its prosperity with Sri Lanka, stating that the aim is to support Sri Lanka’s growth without imposing debt burdens. He reiterated India’s commitment to the “Neighbourhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, underscoring the long-standing friendship between the two nations and their shared future of “Prospering Together.”

This message from the High Commissioner comes at a time when India and Sri Lanka continue to deepen their ties, building on centuries of shared history and cultural connections.