Jaishankar Visits Sri Lanka, Plans Pakistan SCO Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in Sri Lanka for a day-long visit to engage with the newly elected government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit is the first by a foreign minister since the presidential election and aligns with India's Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR outlook to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions will include Indian investments, regional security, and Tamil minority rights, amidst concerns regarding Chinese influence in the region. Additionally, Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15-16, as Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship this year. The visit to Sri Lanka signifies India's intent to deepen its partnership for mutual benefit, particularly in the context of new political leadership in Colombo.