The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refrained from directly engaging in the ongoing dispute surrounding the Katchatheevu island. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed to recent statements made by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the matter, suggesting that interested parties refer to those for clarity.

This decision marks a significant shift since President Ranil Wickremesinghe's government imposed a one-year ban on such vessels in December last year, following heightened security concerns raised by India and the US.

The Maldives government had granted permission for the research vessel to dock at Male port on January 23, citing a need for replenishment.

Sri Lanka aims to become a hassle-free holiday destination for Indians, allowing them to easily enter the country, says Tourism and Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando.