Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, saying the neighboring country had benefited from his personal intervention and support in difficult times.
Dissanayake’s letter to Modi, sent on June 8, also reflects the improvement in Indo-Sri Lankan relations in recent years. He said this important event in Modi’s political career is a testimony to the trust that the people of the world’s largest democracy have “repeatedly placed in your leadership”.
“Your vision of an economically dynamic India has inspired many beyond your borders, including in Sri Lanka,” Dissanayake said. “We are particularly grateful for India’s steadfast friendship, and for your personal intervention and support during Sri Lanka’s difficult times.”
He added that during the three terms of Modi’s presidency, the partnership between India and Sri Lanka reached new heights on the basis of mutual trust, geographical proximity, deep civilizational ties and shared commitment to the prosperity of the two peoples.
Securing the general mandate in successive elections in a democracy as vast, diverse and dynamic as India indicates Modi’s abilities to govern and bring tangible improvements in people’s lives, Dissanayake noted. India has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading economies and emerged as an increasingly influential voice in regional and global affairs, he said, adding that he looks forward to building on the unprecedented momentum in bilateral relations.
Modi received congratulations from other leaders for his championing of the Global South and his vision of an inclusive and economically dynamic India. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, in a video message, described Modi as a “role model and example of leadership.” He expressed Papua New Guinea’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar congratulated Modi and noted that India has become a leading voice in global affairs under his leadership. She also emphasized India’s achievements in foreign policy, economic growth, infrastructure and socio-economic development.
India’s foreign policy has witnessed a transformation under Modi’s leadership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a social media post. India has responded effectively to crisis situations, including through evacuations in Ukraine, Israel and Afghanistan, and has facilitated Indians’ access to the global workplace, by signing 21 mobility partnerships to date.
Jaishankar said the government supported Indian companies in accessing markets abroad and promoting exports, and the entry of Indian products and services into new markets was enabled through development projects.
Welfare measures were taken for Indian students abroad and 44 new embassies and consulates were opened to cater to the needs of Indians living abroad. He noted that issuing passports has become a seamless experience for citizens, and digital platforms have been created to address grievances.
