Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the inauguration of a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, considering it a significant milestone that signifies a fresh start in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Speaking through a video message during the launch event for the ferry services connecting Nagapattinam in India with Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, Modi highlighted how this service rekindles historical and cultural ties.

"Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer," he said.

The prime minister emphasized the significance of the newly established ferry service, noting that it marks the beginning of a "new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations" between India and Sri Lanka. He described the launch of the service connecting Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai as a vital milestone in strengthening bilateral ties.

The prime minister referenced ancient Tamil literature from the Sangam age, such as Pattinappalai and Manimekalai, which vividly depict the maritime activities and boat movement between India and Sri Lanka. He also alluded to the renowned poet Subramania Bharti's song 'Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai,' which mentions a bridge linking the two countries. According to Modi, the ferry service revives and celebrates these historical and cultural connections.

Furthermore, he highlighted the joint adoption of a vision document for an economic partnership during President Wickremesinghe's recent visit, with a central focus on enhancing connectivity. This underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthening their economic and diplomatic ties.

The prime minister underscored the multifaceted advantages of enhanced connectivity, stating that it not only fosters increased trade and tourism but also strengthens people-to-people ties. Additionally, he highlighted the opportunities it creates for the youth in both India and Sri Lanka. Modi reflected on his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, which marked the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Colombo, a significant development in bilateral connectivity.

Modi emphasized that their vision for connectivity transcends the transportation sector. India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely across a wide spectrum of fields, including fintech and energy. He noted the growing prevalence of digital payments in India, driven by the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and highlighted ongoing efforts to link UPI with Lanka Pay, facilitating fintech sector connectivity.

The prime minister also discussed the initiative to interconnect the energy grids of both nations, aiming to bolster energy security and reliability. He emphasized the pivotal role of energy security in the developmental journey of both India and Sri Lanka. This endeavour reflects their shared commitment to ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply.

"Be it the restoration of railway lines connecting north and south, construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, the rollout of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka, or the multi-specialty hospital at Dick Oya, we are working with a vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas," Modi said.

"The people of Sri Lanka will also benefit from it as multimodal connectivity between our two countries is strengthened," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about working towards resuming the ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. "India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the prime minister said.

In a post on social media, Modi highlighted that the new ferry service between India and Sri Lanka will boost connectivity, and trade, and strengthen the enduring ties between the two countries. This high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, can carry up to 150 passengers and will cover approximately 60 nautical miles (110 kilometers) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in about three and a half hours, depending on sea conditions.

Image source: PTI