President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to visit India on the 15th of December. Briefing the media on Friday, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that this will be Mr. Dissanayake’s first visit since his election as the President of Sri Lanka. He also said that during his three-day visit Mr. Dissanayake will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. Mr. Jaiswal added that he will also attend a business event in the national capital and will visit Bodh Gaya. He also added that this visit will further strengthen the multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
On repatriation efforts for Indians in West Asia, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 77 Indians, who wanted to return to India have been evacuated from Syria. He mentioned that these 77 were evacuated through Lebanon with close coordination from the embassies in Lebanon and Syria.
Speaking on the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh, Mr. Jaiswal said that the Foreign Secretary underscored India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He also added that Mr. Misri conveyed the country’s concerns, especially those concerning the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh.
On the issue of death of Indian three students in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has taken up the with Canadian authority the death of its three students and its high commissions in that country are in touch with the local authorities for a thorough investigation into these incidents. Responding to media query over the issue, Mr. Jaiswal said the safety, security and welfare of Indian nationals, students in particular in Canada remain of utmost importance to New Delhi. He added that India has also issued an advisory for its nationals and students to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant given the deteriorating security environment in Canada as a result of the growing incidents of hate crimes and violence.
On granting of Indian Visas to Canadians, Mr. Jaiswal said that it is India’s sovereign function and New Delhi has the legitimate right to deny visas to those who undermine its territorial integrity. He questioned the Canadian media for running disinformation campaigns over the visa issue.
