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  • UN Chief Calls Out Israel on Syria

    UN Chief Calls Out Israel on Syria

    Guterres underscored that Israel and Syria must uphold the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which remains fully in force…reports Asian Lite News

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to stop violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Guterres condemned Israel’s extensive airstrikes on Syria aimed at destroying strategic weapons and military infrastructure and its troops’ entry into a demilitarised zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Xinhua news agency reported.

    “They are violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and they must stop,” he said.

    “Let me be clear: There should be no military forces in the area of separation other than UN peacekeepers. And those peacekeepers must have freedom of movement to undertake their important work.”

    Guterres underscored that Israel and Syria must uphold the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which remains fully in force.

    “This is a decisive moment — a moment of hope and history, but also one of great uncertainty,” the UN Chief told reporters.

    “Some will try to exploit the situation for their own narrow ends. But it is the obligation of the international community to stand with the people of Syria who have suffered so much,” he said.

    Since a lightning rebel offensive ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes that it says are aimed at destroying strategic weapons and military infrastructure.

    Israeli troops also moved into a demilitarised zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights – created after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war — that is patrolled by UN peacekeepers.

    Israeli officials have described the move as a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of Israel’s borders but have given no indication of when the troops might be withdrawn.

    The International Commission on Missing Persons in The Hague has said it had received data indicating there may be as many as 66, as yet unverified, mass grave sites in Syria. More than 150,000 people are considered missing, according to international and Syrian organisations, including the United Nations and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, it said.

    A violent crackdown by Assad on peaceful pro-democracy protesters in 2011 led to a civil war. Millions of people fled Syria with millions more internally displaced.

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  • SNF receives approval to set up polymer production project in Oman

    SNF receives approval to set up polymer production project in Oman

    The facility, designed to produce high-performance anionic polymers, will play a key role in enhancing chemical EOR capabilities and meeting the fast-growing needs of regional clients.

    Muscat: Eight months after announcing an ambitious $250 million expansion plan in Oman, SNF, world’s leading provider of integrated solutions for chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR), announced that it has received approval to set up a polymer production project in Oman.

    “Oman is emerging as a key player in the Middle East polymer market and I am delighted to inform Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has given the company the go ahead for setting up the plant recently,” said Jimmy Nesbitt, General Manager of SNF Oman, at a press conference in Muscat on Thursday.

    “With more than 20 years of in-country presence in the Sultanate of Oman, this project, is a testament to the company’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and in-country value,” he claimed.

    He further said that the facility, designed to produce high-performance anionic polymers, will play a key role in enhancing chemical EOR capabilities and meeting the fast-growing needs of regional clients. “The plant is also expected to produce local employment opportunities, generate in-country value, and establish Oman as a key player in the Middle East polymer market,” he added.

    “This is an extraordinary step forward,” he said. “We’ve moved from concept to tangible progress on the ground. The support from the Omani government and our local partners has been instrumental in reaching this stage.”

    He also said that SNF’s Regional SNF Technical Centre (RSTC Oman) in Muscat has entered its final stages of development. “The delivery of highly advanced laboratory equipment is well underway. The RSTC is set to open in the first months of 2025, fulfilling its vision of serving as SNF’s GCC R&D hub. The centre will support oil and gas innovation in the region, focusing on polymer research for EOR, specialising in carbonate reservoirs, Water Shut-Off, and other cutting-edge technologies. The facility will also provide critical technical support throughout the lifecycle of SNF’s projects, ensuring efficiency and sustainability,” he added.

    In line with its commitment to in-country value, SNF has prioritized local recruitment and talent development. Through collaborations with Omani universities and institutions, SNF is fostering the next generation of experts in oilfield technologies and sustainability practices. “The RSTC is more than just a technical facility,” he said. “It’s a hub for knowledge exchange and skill development, creating long-term value for Oman’s workforce and industry.”

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  • Sabries Group expands to Oman with premium healthcare services

    Sabries Group expands to Oman with premium healthcare services

    The group launched its first projects, including Sabries Healthcare, Sabries Polyclinic, and Sabries Visa Medical Services, alongside a speech therapy center and pharmacies strategically located across the country.

    MUSCAT : The Sabries Group, a rapidly growing business conglomerate, has officially commenced operations in Oman, marking a new era in premium healthcare delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Sabri Harid and Shaly Sabri, the group launched its first projects, including Sabries Healthcare, Sabries Polyclinic, and Sabries Visa Medical Services, alongside a speech therapy center and pharmacies strategically located across the country.

    The group’s dedicated visa medical services branch in Al Hail is set to officially open on Friday, offering specialised visa medical examinations. Speaking about the milestone during a press conference recently, Sabri Harid, the owner of Sabries Group, said, “Our mission is to redefine healthcare standards in Oman by combining innovation, expertise, and a patient-centered approach. We are committed to serving the community with excellence and care. In addition to healthcare, the group plans to diversify its activities further into specialized engineering, contracting, frozen food distribution, and the restaurant industry in the near future. With its focus on innovation, quality, and community engagement, the Sabries Group is poised to become a trusted healthcare and business partner in Oman, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.

    The group’s initial ventures include Mutrah, a state-of-the-art health center providing GP services, pediatric care, dental services, and visa medical examinations and at Nizwa in the next few months, a polyclinic offering comprehensive services such as visa medicals, PDO medical services, general healthcare, dental care, and pediatrics.

    The Sabries Group’s expansion into Oman reflects its dedication to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of local communities. The Al Hail grand opening is expected to attract distinguished guests and residents, symbolising the group’s commitment to accessibility and reliability in healthcare.

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  • 28 Indians detained in Bahrain repatriated 

    28 Indians detained in Bahrain repatriated 

    The Embassy further said that the fishermen were initially sentenced to six months, but their term was reduced to three months. ..reports Asian Lite News

    The Indian Embassy in Bahrain on Wednesday announced the repatriation of 28 Indian fishermen who were detained in the country. 

    The Embassy further said that the fishermen were initially sentenced to six months, but their term was reduced to three months. 

    Sharing a post on X, the Indian embassy in Bahrain wrote, “India in Bahrain is pleased to announce repatriation of 28 Indian fishermen who were recently freed after reduction in sentence from 6 to 3 months. The embassy facilitated legal assistance and travel under GoI’s Indian Community Welfare Fund. Well being of Indian nationals is our priority.” 

    The Indian Embassy also thanked the Bahraini authorities for “cooperation.” In another post on X, it wrote, “We thank the Bahraini authorities for cooperation & swift response including for providing consular access. Wishing them a safe return to their families in India.” 

    Earlier on September 26, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic initiatives to ensure consular access and legal assistance to secure an early release of 28 fishermen from the Idinthakarai fishing village of Tirunelveli district apprehended by the Bahrain Coast Guard on September 11. 

    In a letter, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said, “It has come to my attention that 28 fishermen from Idinthakarai fishing village, Tirunelveli District, who were engaged in fishing labour in Iran, were apprehended by the Bahrain Coast Guard on September 11 for inadvertently crossing the border.” 

    CM Stalin further said in the letter that the boats belonged to Iranian nationals. 

    “The families of the fishermen, who are highly dependent on their income, have been severely impacted by the arrest,” he stated. 

    CM Stalin had also requested the EAM Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic initiatives to ensure consular access and legal assistance to secure the early release of the arrested fishermen. (ANI) 

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  • PM to undertake historic Kuwait visit 

    PM to undertake historic Kuwait visit 

    The visit starting December 21 in what would be the first by an Indian PM to the key West Asian country in 43 years…reports Asian Lite News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Kuwait starting December 21 in what would be the first visit by an Indian PM to the key West Asian country in 43 years.  

    During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait – including Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait – the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. 

    During the two-day visit he is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community in Kuwait. 

    “India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations which are rooted in history and have been underpinned by economic and strong people to people linkages. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait,” read a statement issued by the MEA. 

    Earlier this month, as he called on Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence during his visit to New Delhi, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya had extended an invitation to the Prime Minister from the Kuwait leadership to visit the country “at the earliest opportunity which the PM had graciously accepted. 

    A few hours later, as he held the delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya called India as a “very important partner” and Prime Minister Modi as “one of the wisest persons” in the world. 

    “I would like to thank you for the invitation and also for the opportunity of meeting Prime Minister Modi, who we believe is one of the wisest persons worldwide. I am sure that the Prime Minister puts India on a better level, and I am sure that he will continue that… India is a very important partner and we count on our relationship,” the visiting Foreign Minister said in the meeting held on December 4. 

    Kuwait currently holds the current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – also comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar – and the only GCC member country that PM Modi has not visited so far since assuming office in 2014. A proposed visit in 2022 was postponed due to the Covid pandemic. 

    In September, Modi had met with Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UNGA in New York in what was the first meeting between the two leaders. 

    Recalling the strong historical ties and people-to-people linkages between the two countries during the meeting, Prime Minister Modi had conveyed that India attaches “utmost importance” to its bilateral relations with Kuwait. 

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later said that the meeting between the leadership of the two countries is expected to impart a “fresh momentum” to bilateral ties between India and Kuwait. 

    “They noted with satisfaction that the two countries were supporting each other with energy and food security requirements. They expressed their firm commitment to deepen and diversify bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries. Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, which is the largest diaspora group in the country,” read a statement issued by the MEA on September 22, 2024. 

    During his discussions with the visiting Kuwait Foreign Minister earlier this month, PM Modi had once again expressed confidence that the close cooperation between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council would be further strengthened under Kuwait’s ongoing Presidency of the GCC. 

    As they exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and expressed support for early return of peace, security and stability in the region, Modi thanked the leadership of Kuwait for taking care of the one million strong Indian community living in Kuwait. 

    Later, EAM Jaishankar and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya had reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing stability and security in the region and the world. 

    “Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the establishment of a joint committee for bilateral cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India, which reflects the determination of the two friendly countries to push the level of bilateral relations to higher, broader and more comprehensive levels,” stated Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

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  • More than 880,000 people displaced in Syria: UN

    More than 880,000 people displaced in Syria: UN

    UN partners estimated that around 6 per cent of the displaced are living with at least one form of disability…reports Asian Lite News

    More than 880,000 people have been displaced since the latest escalation of hostilities in Syria, UN humanitarians said.

    UN partners estimated that around 6 per cent of the displaced are living with at least one form of disability, Xinhua news agency reported.

    “Return movements remain dynamic, with partners recording more than 220,000 returnees yesterday (Sunday),” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. “Additionally, over 40,000 displaced people are staying in around 250 collective centers across northeast Syria.”

    The office said the United Nations and partners continue to support the response by supplying food, water, cash, tents, and blankets. The world body is also deploying medical teams and supplies.

    The Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in collaboration with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), conducted a joint mission to the Tishreen Dam’s facility in Syria’s Aleppo governorate on Friday for urgent and critical repairs.

    UNICEF also secured fuel to power the backup generator, enabling the safe drainage of the dam and safeguarding water supplies. Hostilities near the dam last week led to an extended electricity outage and disrupted water and other key services, affecting millions of people in the area.

    On Monday, Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, met Syrian transitional authorities in Damascus to discuss the relief response. “At a time of such rapid changes and long-standing needs in the region, Fletcher’s trip will also include stopovers in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan,” OCHA said of his one-week Middle East visit.

    Authorities also reported a complicated flow of displaced people across the Lebanon-Syria border.

    OCHA said that since December 8, Lebanese authorities recorded less than 10,000 Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon to Syria.

    Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency reported that Lebanese authorities estimated around 30,000 displaced people returned as of Friday from Syria to Lebanon, including mostly Syrians but also Lebanese nationals, since the November 27 cessation of hostilities announcement for Lebanon.

    The International Organisation for Migration reported a fluid situation with fluctuating movements continuing daily through both formal and informal border crossings. Humanitarians reported earlier that Syrian border officials abandoned their posts following the Damascus takeover.

    ALSO READ: ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’ 

  • No Statehood Promise: Netanyahu

    No Statehood Promise: Netanyahu

    Saudis also strongly deny the report, saying there has been no breakthrough….reports Asian Lite News

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that he would not permit the establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting reports that Israel had agreed to a “path toward Palestinian statehood” as part of efforts to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia.

    “Prime Minister Netanyahu has acted and continues to act against the establishment of a Palestinian state,” his office said on Tuesday in a statement, describing the reports as “completely false”.

    The statement added that such a move would “endanger Israel’s security”.

    Israeli media earlier reported that a concession on Palestinian statehood was being considered as part of ongoing negotiations for a normalisation agreement with Saudi Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported.

    Meanwhile, the Saudis also strongly deny the report, saying there has been no breakthrough.

    “The notion that the kingdom’s leadership has somehow modified its longstanding commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is equally baseless,” a statement issued to reporters by an unnamed Saudi official said.

    “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to work towards ending the war in Gaza and helping the Palestinian people achieve their right to an independent state,” the statement added.

    Netanyahu, who has long regarded formal ties with the kingdom as a key strategic objective, dismissed the reports.

    Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish an independent state in those territories.

    Netanyahu’s comments come amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in October.

    The offensive has drawn global condemnation, with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials facing war crimes accusations at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

    Netanyahu has instead floated the idea of Arab countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia contributing to the administration of Gaza after the war. However, those countries and others in the region have repeatedly said that they would not take part in the post-war management or reconstruction of Gaza without the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) involvement.

    The US and Israel’s security establishment have warned that a failure to advance a viable alternative to Hamas rule, such as the PA, will allow the terror group to re-fill vacuums temporarily created by IDF operations in Gaza.

    ALSO READ: ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’ 

  • ‘Green tourism’ theme for World’s Coolest Winter 2025 

    ‘Green tourism’ theme for World’s Coolest Winter 2025 

    Running from 16th December for six weeks, the 5th season will highlight the country’s environmental landmarks, green spaces, and unique winter experiences….reports Asian Lite News

    Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, announced the launch of the fifth season of the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign, under the theme ‘Green Tourism’. 

    Launched in collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and the National Agricultural Centre, the campaign aims to encourage community participation in sustainable agricultural practices and boost tourism visits to farms and agricultural projects across the seven emirates, as part of the domestic tourism strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to advance plans of an integrated tourism ecosystem in the UAE. 

    Details of the campaign were revealed during an event organised by the Ministry of Economy at the Masfout Museum in Ajman, attended by heads and directors-general of UAE’s local tourism bodies. 

    Running from 16th December for six weeks, the 5th season will highlight the country’s environmental landmarks, green spaces, and unique winter experiences. It will also promote farm tourism, nature reserves, and breathtaking landscapes. The campaign also supports the goals of the National Tourism Strategy 2031 and strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading destination on the global travel and tourism map. 

    Abdullah bin Touq said, “The fifth season of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign reinforces the sustainable development of UAE tourism by showcasing green and eco-friendly destinations and the country’s diverse tourism activities, including sustainable, desert, beach, and mountain tourism. 

    He emphasised that the new season aligns with the UAE’s future vision, integrating sustainability and innovation into the tourism sector and supporting the “Plant the Emirates” programme. Under its visionary leadership, the UAE prioritises green and ecotourism to promote the sector’s sustainability, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and boost the competitiveness of tourism destinations across all seven emirates. 

    “Launching the fifth season in Masfout highlights the region’s rich agricultural environment, landscapes, and mountains, strengthening Ajman’s and the UAE’s position as prime ecotourism destinations,” he concluded. 

    The World’s Coolest Winter campaign has successfully generated substantial revenue during its fourth season, which ran from 9th January to 20th February 2024. The campaign’s media and marketing materials reached approximately 600 million people worldwide through news outlets and social media platforms. 

    The Ministry of Economy called upon the public to take active part in the new season, share their tourist experiences in the UAE and highlight the country’s attractions that blend history with modern infrastructure and services. The UAE enjoys a line-up of impressive high-end destinations, breathtaking architecture and geographic diversity, as well as a cultural legacy that reflects the values of tolerance and coexistence long enjoyed in the country. 

    The fifth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign targets UAE citizens, residents, and tourists from around the world. To promote its goals and highlight the top winter tourist destinations in the UAE, the campaign will feature a wide range of media and marketing posts across various media outlets and social media platforms. 

    The campaign will also focus on showcasing unique tourist experiences, entertainment activities, and the best adventures across the seven emirates. 

    The Ministry of Economy has invited the public to engage with the new campaign by sharing their travel stories and experiences in the UAE to highlight the country’s tourist attractions, which seamlessly combine the UAE’s rich history with modern infrastructure and world-class services.

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  • ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’ 

    ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’ 

    Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa called for Israel to halt its airstrikes and withdraw from Syrian territory that it occupied after the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad…reports Asian Lite News

    Syria’s new leader, Mohammed al-Jolani, who now prefers to go by his birth name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged that the country will not be used as a launchpad for attacks on Israel or any other state. 

    In an exclusive interview with The Times on Monday, Al-Sharaa called for Israel to halt its airstrikes and withdraw from Syrian territory that it occupied after the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad. 

    Al-Sharaa explained that Israel’s justification for its presence—concerns over Hezbollah and Iranian militias—was no longer valid. 

    He emphasised Syria’s commitment to the 1974 ceasefire agreement and expressed readiness to allow UN monitors to return. “We do not want any conflict with Israel or any other state,” he told The Times, urging an end to the airstrikes and Israel’s return to its previous positions. 

    Al-Sharaa also called for the lifting of Western sanctions imposed during Assad’s regime, arguing that these restrictions were hindering Syria’s recovery and were no longer justified. He stressed that Syria remained strategically important and that sanctions against the country should be lifted now that the previous regime had fallen. 

    UN welcomes new govt’s commitment 

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday that he welcomed Syria Caretaker Government’s commitment to protect civilians, including aid workers. 

    Guterres also welcomed the agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings; cut through bureaucracy over permits and visas for humanitarian workers; ensure the continuity of essential government services, including health and education; and engage in genuine and practical dialogue with the wider humanitarian community. 

    In a statement on Monday, UN Secretary-General said, “As the Syrian people seize the opportunity to build a better future, the international community must rally behind them.” 

    US wants Syria to succeed 

    US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken during his official visit to the Middle East following the overthrow of the al-Assad regime, affirmed that the US wants Syria to ‘succeed’, the State Department said. 

    Blinken during his visit from December 11-14 travelled to Turkiye; and Iraq. 

    “Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we are prepared to help them do so,” US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said in a press briefing on Monday (local time). 

    He said that Secy Blinken discussed the principles that call for a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned” transition which paves the way for an inclusive and representative government. 

    Miller also emphasised that the rights of everyone including women minorities must be protected, 

    “The Secretary returned this weekend from his latest trip to the Middle East, where he discussed the principles that he outlined early last week as essential for delivering on the aspirations of the Syrian people after the fall of the brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad,” Miller said. 

    “Those principles include that the transition process should be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned and produce an inclusive and representative government; that the rights of all Syrians, including women and minorities, should be respected; that humanitarian aid should be able to reach people who need it; that Syria should not be used as a base of- for terrorist groups and should have peaceful relations with its neighbours; and that chemical weapons stockpiles should be secured and safely destroyed,” he added. 

    The State Department spokesperson further said that the US will continue to engage with actors on the ground in Syria. 

    “In a joint statement issued after the meeting of foreign ministers that the Secretary attended in Aqaba, Jordan on Saturday, those principles were endorsed by a number of our partners in the region as well as a number of countries in Europe and the European Union. Over the coming days, we will continue to engage with actors on the ground in Syria about the importance of adherence to those principles as well as with our partners in the region and around the world about what they can do to advance those principles as well,” Miller said. 

    Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a strong offensive from the northwestern province of Idlib last month. 

    They reached Damascus in the early hours of December 8 and announced the end of more than 50 years of the al-Assad family’s iron-fist rule over Syria. 

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  • Energy to bind India, Lanka, UAE   

    Energy to bind India, Lanka, UAE   

    Modi and Lankan President Dissanayake agreed to take steps towards the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and augment its capacity as per the requirements of Lanka as part of energy development…reports Asian Lite News

    India and Sri Lanka are discussing cooperation between them and the UAE to implement a multi-product pipeline from India to Sri Lanka for the supply of affordable and reliable energy. This is among energy projects at various stages of consideration between the two countries.  

    According to a joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the two countries agreed to take steps towards the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and further augment its capacity as per the requirements of Sri Lanka as part of energy development. 

    “Emphasizing the need for reliable, affordable and timely energy resources for ensuring energy security and meeting basic needs of the people, both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector and facilitation towards timely implementation of ongoing energy cooperation projects between India and Sri Lanka,” the statement said. 

    In this regard, the leaders agreed to continue consideration of the several proposals which are in different stages of discussion “including supply of LNG from India to Sri Lanka, establishment of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India and Sri Lanka and cooperation amongst India, Sri Lanka and UAE to implement a multi-product pipeline from India to Sri Lanka for supply of affordable and reliable energy”. 

    The also agreed to continue consideration of joint development of offshore wind power potential in Palk Straits, while prioritizing environmental protection including fauna and flora. 

    “Acknowledging the ongoing cooperation in the development of Trincomalee Tank Farms, both leaders decided to support the development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub,” the release said. 

    The two leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project to aid the country in its efforts to improve delivery of government services to the public. PM Modi and Dissanayake agreed to collaborate on avenues to fully roll out Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Sri Lanka with assistance from India. 

    Both leaders agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to explore the implementation of a DPI stack in Sri Lanka based on experience and systems already established in India, including advancing ongoing technical discussions on the implementation of DigiLocker in Sri Lanka.  

    The two leaders agreed to promote digital financial transactions by extending the use of UPI digital payments for the benefit of both countries and in keeping with payment systems-related regulatory guidelines of both countries. 

    The two leaders agreed to continue bilateral exchanges to garner learnings from India’s Aadhaar platform, GeM portal, PM Gati Shakti digital platform, digitized customs and other taxation procedures, with a view to exploring the benefits of establishing equivalent systems in Sri Lanka. 

    With a view to supporting human-resource development and promoting innovation and technology in Sri Lanka, PM Modi and Dissanayake agreed to seek to expand collaboration in research and development in sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, digital economy, health and other areas of mutual interest. 

    The two leaders agreed to explore cooperation between educational institutions of India and Sri Lanka. They expressed willingness to foster coooperation between Start-up India and Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), including for mentorship for Sri Lankan start-ups. 

    Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appreciated the ongoing collaboration for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka with the aim of promoting self-sufficiency and nutritional security. 

    “Noting President Disanayaka’s emphasis on agricultural modernization, the two leaders agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to examine possibilities for the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka,” the joint statement said.    

    Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s stance on not allowing its territory to be used in any way that could compromise India’s security. 

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in ‘India – Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ said, “Recognizing shared security interests of India and Sri Lanka, both leaders acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other’s security concerns. As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region.” 

    The MEA added, “India being Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbour, President Disanayaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s stated position of not permitting its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.” 

    Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation in training, exchange programmes, ship visits, bilateral exercises and assistance to augment defence capabilities, PM Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake agreed to advance maritime and security collaboration. (ANI) 

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