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India has proposed a land connectivity project with Sri Lanka once again during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the Sri Lankan government has not committed yet, the Daily Mirror learns.
In 2002, the then Sri Lankan government proposed a land bridge between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. That was based on the ancient land link called Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge.
According to the plan, road and rail bridge links were proposed to be developed.
Later, the two sides again started talks on the project, and it even crept into the joint statement issued during the time of the last government. It was not included in the joint statement issued after the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to New Delhi last year, though.
Also See: Sri Lanka Turns to India as U.S. Tariffs Shake Trade Stability
During the latest visit of Prime Minister Modi, the Indian side proposed it. The Sri Lankan government did not respond to it immediately, as reported.
Prime Minister Modi, on his way back from Sri Lanka, had a Darshan of Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, a vast chain of natural limestone shoals that spans an impressive 30 miles (48 km) over the Indian Ocean. This ancient land bridge is celebrated for its geological, historical, and mythological significance. The ancient limestone bridge is believed to have been built by Lord Ram.
Meanwhile, India is ready to consider Sri Lanka’s request to increase the apparel export quota to 50 million units only in terms of the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), the Daily Mirror learns.
In the wake of the United States slapping 44 percent tariffs on Sri Lankan exports, Sri Lanka is currently in the process of exploring fresh avenues to support businesses now grappling with U.S. tariffs.
Recently, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath is reported to have said that Sri Lanka requested India to expand the quota to export under the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement to 50 million units from the current 8 million.
However, Daily Mirror learns that this is a demand made by the Sri Lankan side during talks on ETCA.
India is ready to look at Sri Lanka’s request only when negotiations resume on ETCA.
This news is sourced from Daily Mirror and is intended for informational purposes only.
