During her stay till October 18, Amarasuriya will meet top Indian leaders and deliver the keynote address at the ‘NDTV World Summit’ organised by NDTV and Chintan Research Foundation. She will also visit IIT Delhi and NITI Aayog to explore partnerships in technology, education, and innovation.

A proud alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, the Prime Minister will return to her alma mater for a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, tree plantation, and cultural programs by students. Later, she will attend a business event to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The visit underscores India and Sri Lanka’s growing strategic relationship under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’ policies. Both countries recently strengthened maritime and defence cooperation, with new agreements in energy, health, digital transformation, and cultural projects signed during earlier high-level meetings.

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In an interview, Pitroda said that India’s foreign policy should give neighbours top priority, stressing that people across the subcontinent share common cultural and historical roots. “I don’t feel like I’m in another country when I go to Pakistan or Bangladesh. The people are the same, the food and language are similar – we are all from the same gene pool,” he observed. He acknowledged existing challenges like terrorism but argued that regional cooperation was essential for long-term peace.

The statement immediately drew fire from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party spokespersons accused the Congress of being “soft” on Pakistan and said Pitroda’s words ignored the reality of cross-border terrorism. They argued that comments like these weaken India’s national position and hurt public sentiment.

“This is nothing new. Congress leaders often speak in a way that appears sympathetic to Pakistan. It insults the sacrifices of Indians who have faced terrorism,” BJP leaders said in their response.

Pitroda’s comments have once again exposed sharp divisions between the ruling party and the opposition over India’s approach to Pakistan. While Congress leaders have often highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, the BJP continues to emphasize a security-first policy.

The controversy adds to a long list of political flashpoints ahead of upcoming elections, where foreign policy and national security remain sensitive topics.

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