PM Narendra Modi to hold talks with Sri Lankan counterpart on September 26

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to hold discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 26 via video conference, sources said.

However, no official announcement has been made.

Last week, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister had telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed strong desire and commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

"The President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa called Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today to convey warm wishes on the occasion of the Prime Minister's birthday," Prime Minister's office had said in a statement.

The PM had thanked both the leaders for their warm wishes and conveyed that he is looking forward to working with them to further expand cooperation between the two countries in line with India's Neighbourhood First policy.

"Both Sri Lankan leaders expressed their strong desire and commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the neighbouring countries. They expressed appreciation for the continued bilateral cooperation including in the joint fight against Covid pandemic," the statement added.