India, Sri Lanka Embarking On New Chapter In Diplomatic, Economic Ties: PM Narendra Modi On Ferry Service Launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India and Sri Lanka are entering a fresh phase of diplomatic and economic cooperation. He praised the inauguration of a ferry service between the two countries as a significant milestone in fortifying their bilateral relations.

Speaking via video message during the launch event for the ferry services connecting Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, Modi emphasized that this ferry service revives deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

"Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer," he said.

The prime minister said India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a "new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations" and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an "important milestone" in strengthening the relations.

Underlining the shared history of culture, commerce and civilisation between India and Sri Lanka, the prime minister pointed out that Nagapattinam and nearby towns have been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka, and the historical port of Poompuhar finds a mention as a hub in ancient Tamil literature.

He also spoke about Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai which describe the movement of boats and ships between the two countries. 

Modi also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bharti's song 'Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai', which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He said the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections. 

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral relationship. "Our vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind," he said. 

Modi stated that the projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people. 

Several projects related to housing, water, health, and livelihood support have been completed in the Northern Province, he said and expressed delight in extending support for the upgradation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour. 

"Be it restoration of railway lines connecting north and south, construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, the rollout of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka, or the multi-speciality hospital at Dick Oya, we are working with a vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas," Modi said.

"The people of Sri Lanka will also benefit from it as multimodal connectivity between our two countries is strengthened," he said. 

The Prime Minister also spoke about working towards resuming the ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. "India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the prime minister said. 

In a post on X, Modi said ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between the two nations.

What did the Sri Lankan President say about the launch?

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, "I must thank him (PM Modi) and the Indian Shipping Corporation for the role they have played in reestablishing this connectivity."

"The ferry services is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. For thousands of years, people have travelled from Indian subcontinent to this island, and from Sri Lanka back to the India subcontinent. This is how our cultures and trade developed," added Wickremesinghe.

During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity, the prime minister said. 

He emphasised that connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries. Modi also recalled his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 when direct flights between Delhi and Colombo were launched. 

Later, he said, the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka was also celebrated. He also noted that direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019, and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction.

"Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector," Modi said as he underlined that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fintech and energy.

Noting that digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI, Modi said that both governments are working on fintech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay.

He also talked about connecting the energy grids between the two nations to enhance energy security and reliability, asserting that energy security is crucial for the developmental journey of both India and Sri Lanka. 

What did EAM S Jaishankar say?

In his remarks at a virtual ceremony on the launch of the ferry service, Jaishankar said that New Delhi has a "generous and far-sighted approach" to its proximate nations, focusing on connectivity, cooperation and contacts.

"In future, we are looking at grid connection, pipeline and economic corridor. And of course, support for all in Sri Lanka to live in equal dignity and equal rights," he said.

India has been conveying to Colombo to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and ensure a life of respect and dignity for it. The ferry service was launched in line with an announcement made by the leaders of the two countries in July. 

"This is a truly big step for people-to-people contacts between India and Sri Lanka. And it was so recognised by Prime Minister Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe," Jaishankar said.

In his remarks, Jaishankar also highlighted India's 'Neighbourhood First policy' and its focus on boosting connectivity and cooperation with neighbouring countries.

"And that is exactly what we are seeking to do through this ferry. This is already visible in the Chennai-Jaffna flights that Prime Minister Modi has sanctioned," he said. 

"Such steps are a natural decision by a prime minister who has Tamil Nadu so close to his heart and who has taken so much interest in the welfare of all in Sri Lanka," he said.

"After all, who can forget that Prime Minister Modiji is the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Jaffna. This commitment is also seen in support for housing projects, cultural centres and hospitals in Sri Lanka," Jaishankar said.

He also referred to India's policy of SAGAR (Security and Growth For All in the Region) and noted that the country has again been active in ensuring maritime security and safety, as well as in disaster response and environment security. 

"This ferry is an important people-to-people connect through the maritime domain. It also underlines the assistance we have provided for the smooth functioning of the Kankesanthurai harbour," he said.

The external affairs minister also highlighted India's focus on ease of living - or how to make life easier for a common citizen. 

"It is these steps -- a ferry today, an air connection before, smoother visas, more tourism -- that really matter," he said.

"And finally, there is the easier to do business commitment of the Modi government.  The ferry will directly facilitate cargo services, as you all heard, and particularly help small businesses. Its benefits will reach those who otherwise may be left behind," the External Affairs Minister said.

The ferry service between Nagappatinam in India and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka commenced on Saturday.

The high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India has a capacity of 150 pax. The distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai will be covered in approximately three-and-a-half hours depending on sea conditions.