Modi greets SL leaders

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended New Year greeting to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a statement said.

“In his talks with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, PM Modi expressed confidence that India and Sri Lanka would further enhance their friendly ties in the year 2020,” the Indian Prime Minister Office said.

In his conversation with the PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Modi reiterated India's commitment to further expand the close and extensive cooperation with the island nation.

PM Modi also spoke to King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, PM Modi skipped Pakistan.

"The prime minister conveyed to the leaders his New Year greetings and good wishes on behalf of the people of India and on his own behalf," the PMO said in a release. The PM also emphasised India's commitment to regional peace and security as well as 'neighbourhood first' policy.

It said PM Modi emphasised India's commitment to 'neighbourhood first' policy and the vision of shared peace, security, prosperity and progress for all of India's friends and partners in the region.