Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the BIMSTEC group would grow from strength to strength under the leadership of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. 

This remark was made when Sirisena, who is in Nepal to attend the 4th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), met with Indian Prime Minister in Kathmandu, today (30).

At the conclusion of the summit, the Chairmanship of BIMSTEC will be handed over to Sri Lanka by the current Chair, Nepal.

Expressing his views on Sri Lanka becoming the Chair of BIMSTEC, the Indian Prime Minister said that India was ready to provide their fullest assistance for any task assigned to them by Sirisena. 

Describing the Sri Lankan President as a leader rich with experience, Modi said through its new leadership BIMSTEC would receive an opportunity to achieve its objectives and goals. 

The Sri Lankan Presidengt's Media Unit, in a statement said, the Indian Premier extended wishes to Sirisena. President Sirisena's birthday falls on September 03.