During a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan announced that the eligibility for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will be extended to the sixth generation of the Indian community in Sri Lanka. Previously, this eligibility was limited to the fourth generation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that OCI cards would now be issued based on documents, often provided by the Sri Lankan government. This announcement is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with the Indian-origin Tamil community, which makes up 7% of Sri Lanka's population. Radhakrishnan met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss various bilateral issues, including housing projects and fishermen's concerns. The discussions also highlighted India's role as a reliable partner during regional crises, including financial support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis in 2022 and aid following Cyclone Ditwah. The Vice-President's visit underscores India's commitment to maintaining strong relations with Sri Lanka, rooted in shared civilizational ties.