Modi telephones GR, MR for New Year 

• Calls several SA leaders including SL President, PM
• Reiterates commitment to enhance relations between countries

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday held telephone conversations with several South Asian leaders on the occasion of the New Year, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

During the conversation, the Indian leader and President Rajapaksa reiterated their commitment to closely work together towards enhancing friendly ties in 2020. 

Speaking to Prime Minister Rajapaksa, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to further expand close and extensive cooperation with Sri Lanka. 

Prime Minister Rajapaksa reciprocated the wishes warmly, and expressed a keen desire to further enhance relations between the two countries. 

The Indian Prime Minister also had telephone conversations with the Druk Gyalpo of the Kingdom of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen (Dr.) Lotay Tshering; President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina; and Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli, the Indian PM’s Office said.