Colombo, April 19 -- Vice President CP Radhakrishnan met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday for wide-ranging talks aimed at deepening bilateral ties, with both leaders highlighting "civilizational bonds" and pledging closer cooperation on energy and digital connectivity.

The high-level discussions, detailed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, underscored India's evolution from a traditional neighbour to a reliable "first responder" during regional crises.

President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, citing three critical interventions that have stabilised the island nation: Economic Crisis (2022): India's early financial lifelines during Sri Lanka's historic debt crisis; Cy...