External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indian Ocean countries Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka has promoted greater understanding and cooperation in this region.
Swaraj said the importance of these visits can be gauged from the fact that an Indian Prime Minister has paid bilateral visit to Seychelles after 34 years, Mauritius after 10 years and Sri Lanka after 28 years.
"These three nations are amongst our nearest ocean neighbours. We have a long history with each one of them in which people-to-people ties, economic cooperation and maritime security have all featured prominently. On this occasion, each one of these facets was taken to a higher level," said Swaraj while making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
The External Affairs Minister said Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Seychelles on March 10 and 11 was accorded the fullest honours and beyond, being received and seen off by President James Michel personally.
"They had a bilateral meeting where issues of economic, infrastructure and maritime cooperation were discussed. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Coastal Surveillance Radar System set up with India's collaboration. He met with senior leaders of the Government and addressed the Indian community," said Swaraj.
"Among the important outcomes of the visit were our decision to gift a second Dornier aircraft, to provide gratis visa for a period of three months and to include Seychelles in the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Four agreements were signed: for development of infrastructure facilities at Assumption Island, renewal energy cooperation, cooperation in hydrography and sale of navigational charts," she added.
Swaraj further said the two countries also decided to set up a Joint Working Group on cooperation in blue economy.
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"Overall, Prime Minister's visit, though brief, made a strong and abiding impact on India-Seychelles relations. It created positive sentiments in a country that sits astride key sea lines of communication," she added.
Talking about the Prime Minister's visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12, Swaraj said the former accorded the highest protocol and spontaneous welcome by all sections of Mauritian society in keeping with the traditional warmth that exists between India and Mauritius.
"He was received and seen off by Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth and held meetings with President Purryag and Prime Minister Jugnauth. The Chief Justice, the Leader of Opposition, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation and a delegation of the Labour Party called on the Prime Minister," she added.
Swaraj said Prime Minister Modi was the chief guest for the National Day of Mauritius.
"He addressed a special session of the National Assembly of Mauritius. He jointly commissioned with Prime Minister Jugnauth the offshore patrol vessel Barracuda, which is the first custom built vessel exported by India. The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque with PM Jugnauth for the official commencement of construction of the building of the World Hindi Secretariat," said Swaraj.
"Prime Minister also addressed a well attended civic reception. Prime Minister also visited Aapravasi Ghat and offered prayers at Ganga Talao," she added.
The External Affairs Minister said Prime Minister Modi announced a concessional line of credit of US$500 million for project to be identified by the Government of Mauritius.
"Five bilateral documents were signed: for development of sea and air transportation facilities at Agalega Island, cooperation in ocean economy, cooperation in traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy, cultural exchange programme for 2015-18, and importation of mangoes from India," she added.
Swaraj further said overall, the Prime Minister's visit served to enhance bilateral cooperation with Mauritius to a higher level and further cement the unique and special relationship that India shares with Mauritius.
The External Affairs Minister further talking about the Prime Minister's visit to Sri Lanka on March 13 and 14 said that it expressed New Delhi's strong support for democracy and reform in Colombo.
She said the Prime Minister's talks with the Sri Lankan leadership covered a very wide range of issues.
"He conveyed India's sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lanka's new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress. India stands with Sri Lanka in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka," said Swaraj.
"Prime Minister also declared that we believe that the early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process," she added.
The External Affairs Minister said the problems of fishermen were also discussed during the talks.
"Prime Minister pointed out that this was a complex issue involving livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides, India and Sri Lanka need to find a long term solution. Fishermen's associations of both countries must meet at the earliest to work out a mutually acceptable arrangement," she added.
Swaraj said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with a very close neighbour and a fellow SAARC member.