External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indian Ocean countries Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka has promoted greater understanding and cooperation in this region.

"These three nations are amongst our nearest ocean neighbours. We have a long history with each one of them in which people-to-people ties, economic cooperation and maritime security have all featured prominently. On this occasion, each one of these facets was taken to a higher level," Swaraj said in Lok Sabha.

Referring to the Sri Lanka visit by PM Modi, the External Affairs Minister said that it expressed New Delhi's strong support for democracy and reform in Colombo.

She said the Prime Minister's talks with the Sri Lankan leadership covered a very wide range of issues. "He conveyed India's sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lanka's new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress. India stands with Sri Lanka in its 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," said Swaraj.

"Prime Minister also declared that we believe that the early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process," she added. The External Affairs Minister said the problems of fishermen were also discussed during the talks.

"Prime Minister pointed out that this was a complex issue involving livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides, India and Sri Lanka need to find a long term solution. Fishermen's associations of both countries must meet at the earliest to work out a mutually acceptable arrangement," she added. Swaraj said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with a very close neighbour and a fellow SAARC member.
(With inputs from ANI)