New Delhi - During an Ambassador-level trilateral meeting held in New Delhi, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka engaged in discussions aimed at fostering strong relationships that contribute to the advancement of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Ambassador to India, Hiroshi Suzuki, highlighted the significance of South Asia within the framework of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, as emphasized by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Suzuki underscored the primary importance that Japan places on its ties with India and Sri Lanka, considering them indispensable partners in this endeavor. He expressed these sentiments during the opening session of the India-Sri Lanka-Japan Trilateral Cooperation.

Ambassador Suzuki further emphasized Japan's commitment to promoting transparent and equitable debt restructuring that involves the participation of all nations. He commended India's financial support to Sri Lanka, which proved instrumental in the debt restructuring process. He also advocated for equal treatment of all creditor countries in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring initiatives.

In a parallel perspective, Sri Lankan Ambassador Milinda Moragoda acknowledged India's significant role in Sri Lanka's recovery process. He highlighted the need to enhance private sector involvement from both India and Japan through increased investments in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Moragoda outlined four key areas of collaboration among India, Japan, and Sri Lanka: low-carbon power generation, energy hub development, logistics and connectivity, and people-to-people interactions. These collaborations aim to bolster Sri Lanka's connectivity, trade potential, and various sectors including tourism, education, training, and skills development.

Puneet Agrawal, Joint Secretary (Indian Ocean Region) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that connectivity forms the cornerstone of India's strategy for Sri Lanka's economic revitalization. Agrawal highlighted initiatives like the resumption of passenger ferry services between India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on maritime connectivity. He also acknowledged Japan's reliability as a partner in energy and power connectivity initiatives for both India and Sri Lanka.