29-Nov-2020: In Colombo, Ajit Doval meets Sampanthan

India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) met a senior Sri Lankan Tamil leader R. Sampanthan before wrapping up his two-day visit for a trilateral discussion on maritime cooperation and security.

The meeting with Mr. Sampanthan, whose Tamil National Alliance has ten MPs in the 225-member legislature, assumes significance, as India has highlighted its concerns about the rights of the Tamil minorities.

A joint statement issued by New Delhi and Colombo had said: “Prime Minister Modi called on the Government of Sri Lanka to address the aspirations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and respect within a united Sri Lanka, including by carrying forward the process of reconciliation with the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.”

26-Nov-2020: 4th NSA Level Meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation

At the invitation of Secretary of Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka H.E. Maj Gen (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne, National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval will visit Colombo to participate in the 4th NSA Level Meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation, being hosted by Sri Lanka on November 27-28, 2020.

Earlier Meetings were held in 2011 in Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India. The NSA-level Trilateral Meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. Mauritius and Seychelles attended the 3rd meeting as guest countries.

Apart from the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka and NSA Shri Ajit Doval from India, Defence Minister H.E. Mariya Didi will also participate in the meeting representing Maldives.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

On the sidelines of the Trilateral Meeting, NSA is also expected to have other high level bilateral engagements.