Your Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka,
Members of the media,
I am delighted to be in Sri Lanka, in this beautiful city of Colombo.
I have eagerly looked forward to visiting one of our closest neighbours and a nation with which we share so much.
I am truly honoured by your warm welcome and friendship.
I am conscious of the significance of this visit. It is the first standalone bilateral visit to Sri Lanka by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987.
Last month, President Sirisena honoured us by making India his first foreign visit as President. I am glad to be here so soon.
This is how it should be between neighbours. We should meet regularly.
It helps us understand each other better; find solutions to mutual concerns; and, move our relationship forward.
That is what we achieved in my meetings with President Sirisena today.
Economic ties are a key pillar of our relationship.
The progress we have made reflects our shared commitment to stronger economic cooperation.
Our trade has seen impressive growth over the past decade. I am aware of your concerns about trade with India. As I said in Delhi, we will try and address them.
The agreement today on cooperation between our customs authorities is a step in that direction. It will simplify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers on both sides.
We are not just looking at addressing problems. We are also focusing on new opportunities.
Today, Lanka IOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have agreed to jointly develop the Upper Tank Farm of the China Bay Installation in Trincomalee on mutually agreed terms.
A Joint Task Force will be constituted soon to work out the modalities. India stands ready to help Trincomalee become a regional petroleum hub.
I also look forward to early commencement of work on the ground in the Sampur Coal Power Project. This landmark project would meet Sri Lanka`s energy needs.
The ocean economy is a new frontier that holds enormous promise for both of us. It is a priority for our two countries. Our decision to set up a Joint Task Force on Ocean Economy is a significant step, especially because of our proximity.
People are at the heart of our relations. We have taken a number of decisions to encourage people to people contacts, improve connectivity, and increase tourism.
We will extend the facility of "Tourist Visa on Arrival - Electronic Travel Authorization” Scheme to Sri Lankan citizens from the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 14 April 2015.
Air India will soon start direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo.
We will cooperate in developing a Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka and a Buddhist Circuit in India.
We will organize a Festival of India in Sri Lanka later this year. Sri Lanka is where Buddhism has truly flourished. We will be organizing an exhibition showcasing our Buddhist heritage as part of this festival.
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in youth affairs is an important long term investment in our relationship.
India is privileged to be a development partner for Sri Lanka.
We will provide a fresh Line of Credit of up to US$ 318 million for the railways sector. This will be used to procure rolling stock, and to restore and upgrade existing railway track.
We are pleased to provide assistance for the construction of the Rabindranath Tagore auditorium at Ruhuna University in Matara.
Tomorrow, I will visit, some of the projects, being financed by India, including the housing project. I am pleased that more than 27,000 houses have already been built.
The Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have agreed to enter into a Currency Swap Agreement of US$ 1.5 billion. This will help keep the Sri Lankan rupee stable.
We discussed the fishermen’s issue. This complex issue involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides. We should handle it from this perspective. At the same time, we need to find a long term solution to this issue.
It is also important that fishermen`s associations of India and Sri Lanka meet at the earliest to find a mutually acceptable arrangement. It can then be taken forward by both governments.
I also took this opportunity to convey our admiration for President Srinisena`s efforts to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka.
I conveyed our sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lanka`s new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress.
We stand with you in your efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka.
We believe that early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process.
I also conveyed India`s commitment to further strengthening our partnership in advancing peace and prosperity in our region, including our common maritime neighbourhood.
I would like to once again thank President Sirisena for the warm welcome and hospitality.
The meeting today has been very productive. It gives me great confidence and optimism about the future of our relations.
Our united voice for peace and dialogue should resonate across the world: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha on West Asia conflict
March 24, 2026
Share
Many ships are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with a large number of Indian crew members on board. This is a major cause of concern for India: PM
In such a critical situation, it is essential that a united voice of peace and dialogue goes out to the entire world from this Upper House of India's Parliament: PM
Around one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries, The safety of their lives and livelihoods is also a very big concern for India: PM
More than three weeks have passed since this war began in West Asia , This war has created a serious energy crisis across the entire world: PM
Attacks on commercial ships and disruption of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable: PM
India has condemned attacks on civilians, on civil infrastructure, and on energy and transport-related infrastructure: PM
Since the start of the war, I have held two rounds of phone conversations with the heads of state of most countries in West Asia: PM
We are in constant touch with all the Gulf countries, We are also in contact with Iran, Israel, and the United States: PM
Our goal is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy: PM
We have also discussed de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with them: PM
India is making continuous efforts, through diplomacy, to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships even in this atmosphere of war: PM
Since the war began, ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has become very challenging, but the government is seeking a way forward through dialogue and diplomacy: PM
The effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies reach India from wherever possible, The country is witnessing the results of every such effort: PM
In the past few days, ships carrying crude oil and LPG have arrived in India from many countries around the world, Our efforts in this direction will continue in the coming days: PM
The fundamentals of our economy are strong,the government is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation: PM
The government is working with a strategy to address every impact in the short term, medium term, and long term: PM
The government has made the necessary preparations to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers: PM
The government is making continuous efforts to ensure that farmers do not bear the burden of any crisis: PM
I would like to reassure the farmers of the country once again that the government stands with them to resolve every challenge: PM
Honourable Chairman,
We are all familiar with the war currently taking place in West Asia and the circumstances arising from it. Today, I stand before the Upper House of Parliament and before my fellow citizens to share the government’s position on these grave circumstances. This war has now continued for more than three weeks. It has created a severe energy crisis across the world. For India too, this situation is worrisome. Our trade routes are being affected. Routine supplies of essential goods such as petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers are disrupted. Nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries. Ensuring their safety and livelihood is a major concern for India. Many ships are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with a large number of Indian crew members aboard. This too is a matter of serious concern for India. In such dire circumstances, it is essential that from this Upper House of Parliament, a united voice for peace and dialogue reaches the entire world.
Honourable Chairman,
Since the beginning of the war, I have spoken twice on the phone with the heads of most countries in West Asia. We are in continuous contact with all Gulf countries. We are also in touch with Iran, Israel, and the United States. Our goal is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. We have spoken with them about de-escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. India has opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and energy and transport-related infrastructure. Through diplomacy, India is making continuous efforts to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships even in this war-like environment. India has suggested dialogue as the only path to resolving this problem. Any threat to human life in this war is not in the interest of humanity. Therefore, India’s constant effort is to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful solution as soon as possible.
Honourable Chairman,
In times of crisis, the safety of Indians both at home and abroad is our highest priority. Since the war began, more than 375,000 Indians have safely returned to India. From Iran alone, more than 1,000 Indians have returned safely, including over 700 young students pursuing medical education. Our government is working with full sensitivity during this crisis. All countries have assured us of the safety of Indians present there. However, it is deeply saddening that some Indians have lost their lives due to attacks, and some have been injured. In such difficult circumstances, necessary assistance is being provided to their families. Those injured are being ensured the best possible medical treatment.
Honourable Chairman,
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the largest routes of global trade. In particular, the transport of crude oil, gas, and fertilizers takes place in huge quantities through this region. Since the war began, the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has become highly challenging. Yet, despite adverse circumstances, our government has tried to create pathways through dialogue and diplomacy. Our effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies reach India from wherever possible. The results of these efforts are visible to the nation. In recent days, ships carrying crude oil and LPG from many countries have arrived in India. Our efforts in this direction will continue in the coming days as well.
Honourable Chairman,
India’s effort is to ensure that ships carrying essential goods such as oil, gas, and fertilizers reach India safely. But if the global circumstances created by this war persist for a long time, serious consequences are inevitable. Therefore, India is accelerating the resilience-building measures it has undertaken in recent years.
Honourable Chairman,
Every crisis tests both our courage and our efforts. To enable the country to face such crises better, continuous decisions have been taken over the past 11 years. Diversification of energy imports is part of these efforts. Earlier, India imported crude oil, LNG, and LPG from 27 countries. Today, India imports energy from 41 countries. In the past decade, India has also prioritized crude oil reserves for times of crisis. Our oil companies maintain significant reserves of petrol and diesel for emergencies. Over the past 11 years, more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves have been developed, and the country is working on arrangements for reserves exceeding 6.5 million metric tonnes. Alongside this, India’s refining capacity has also been substantially increased in the past decade. Through you, I wish to assure the House and the nation that India has adequate crude oil storage and arrangements for continuous supply.
Honourable Chairman,
Our government is striving to ensure that there is no excessive dependence on any single source of fuel. Alongside LPG, the government is also emphasizing PNG for domestic gas supply. In the past decade, unprecedented work has been done to expand PNG connections, and this effort has been further accelerated in recent days. At the same time, large-scale efforts are being made to increase domestic production of LNG.
Honourable Chairman,
In recent years, the government has consistently worked to minimize dependence on other countries in every sector. Becoming increasingly self-reliant is the only option. For example, more than 90% of India’s oil is transported on foreign ships, which makes India’s situation even more serious during any global crisis. Therefore, the government has launched a campaign worth about 70,000 crore rupees to build Made in India ships. India is now rapidly developing facilities for shipbuilding, shipbreaking, maintenance, and overhauling. India is also making its defense sector more resilient. Due to efforts made in the past decade, India today manufactures most of the weapons it needs domestically. There was a time when India was heavily dependent on other countries even for raw materials of life-saving medicines, namely APIs. In recent years, the country has made many efforts to build an API ecosystem within India itself. Similarly, major steps are being taken to reduce foreign dependence in rare earth minerals.
Honourable Chairman,
The current crisis has shaken the global economy. The damage already caused in West Asia will take the world a long time to recover from. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that India suffers the least possible impact. The fundamentals of our economy are strong, and the government is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. The government is working with a strategy to address short-term, medium-term, and long-term impacts. An inter-ministerial group has also been formed, which meets regularly to assess every difficulty arising in our imports and exports, and continuously works on necessary solutions. Just as empowered groups of experts and officers were formed during the pandemic to tackle challenges in different sectors, yesterday seven new empowered groups were also constituted. These groups will act swiftly and strategically on issues such as supply chains, petrol and diesel, fertilizers, gas, and inflation. I am confident that through these collective efforts, we will be able to face the circumstances more effectively.
Honourable Chairman,
The government is also working to ensure that farmers receive adequate fertilizer in the upcoming sowing season. Necessary preparations have been made for sufficient supply of fertilizers. The government’s constant effort is that farmers should not bear the burden of any crisis. I once again assure the farmers of the country that the government stands with them in finding solutions to every challenge.
Honourable Chairman,
This is the House of States. In the coming times, this crisis will be a major test for our country, and the cooperation of states will be crucial for success. Therefore, through this House, I would like to make a few requests to all state governments. In times of crisis, the poor, workers, and migrant companions are most affected. Therefore, it must be ensured that the benefits of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana reach them on time. Proactive steps should be taken to ease the difficulties of migrant workers wherever they are employed. If state governments make special arrangements to monitor such situations, it will provide significant relief. State governments must also pay close attention to another challenge: in such times, black-marketeers and hoarders become very active. Wherever such complaints arise, immediate action must be taken. Ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential goods must be the top priority of every state.
Honourable Chairman,
I would also like to make another request to all state governments. No matter how severe the crisis, maintaining India’s rapid growth is our collective responsibility. For this, every necessary step and every necessary reform must be carried out swiftly. This is also a great opportunity for state governments. This is a major test for Team India. During the great crisis of the pandemic, the Centre and the states together presented an excellent model of COVID management. Despite governments of different political parties, testing, vaccination, and supply of essential goods were ensured through Team India’s efforts. We must continue to work in the same spirit. With the combined efforts of all state governments and the central government, the country will be able to face this grave global crisis effectively.
Honourable Chairman,
This crisis is of a different nature, and its solutions are also being determined in a different way. We must face every challenge with patience, restraint, and a calm mind.
Honourable Chairman,
As we can see, the situation regarding this war is changing moment by moment. Therefore, I would also say to my fellow citizens that we must be prepared for every challenge. There is a strong possibility that the adverse effects of this war will last for a long time. But I assure the people of the country that the government is alert, ready, and working with full seriousness on strategy, taking every necessary decision. The welfare of the people is paramount for us. This is our identity, this is our strength. With this spirit, I conclude my statement.
