January 16, 2022
2 mins read

India will always stand with Lanka, says Jaishankar

Jaishankar told Rajapaksa that India has always stood with Sri Lanka, and will continue to support Sri Lanka in all possible ways for overcoming the economic and other challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic….reports Asian Lite News

India has reaffirmed to Sri Lanka that it will be a steadfast and reliable partner of the island nation as both countries stand to gain from closer economic interlinkages.

New Delhi’s message was conveyed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a virtual meeting with the Finance Minister of Sri Lanka Basil Rajapaksa on Saturday.

The interaction follows Rajapaksa’s visit to India last month and comes close on the heels of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Sri Lanka, last week.

Jaishankar told Rajapaksa that India has always stood with Sri Lanka, and will continue to support Sri Lanka in all possible ways for overcoming the economic and other challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both Ministers positively noted the extension of US$ 400 million to Sri Lanka under the SAARC currency swap arrangement and deferral of ACU settlement of USD 515.2 million by two months, which would assist Sri Lanka, India’s External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The two Ministers also reviewed the progress in extending the Indian credit facility of USD 1 billion for importing food, essential items, and medicine and USD 500 million for importing fuel from India.

The Lankan Finance Minister recalled India’s long-standing cooperation with Sri Lanka and deeply appreciated the gestures of support. He welcomed Indian investments in Sri Lanka in a number of important spheres including ports, infrastructure, energy, renewable energy, power, and manufacturing and assured that a conducive environment will be provided to encourage such investments.

In this context, both Ministers noted that the recent steps taken by the government of Sri Lanka for jointly modernising Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms will boost the confidence of investors, apart from enhancing Sri Lanka’s energy security.

Being close friends and maritime neighbours, Jaishankar brought up the issue of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. He urged the Lankan government to ensure the early release of the detained fishermen on humanitarian considerations.

Jaishankar also conveyed greetings to Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka for 2022 and on the occasion of the festival of Pongal celebrated by both countries as the ministers agreed to remain in close touch for guiding mutually beneficial bilateral economic cooperation towards long-term economic partnership for shared progress and prosperity.

ALSO READ: India-China trade hits $126 billion amid tensions

Previous Story

Will ASEAN line up with Indonesia against China?

Next Story

‘Won’t let any attempt to change status quo along borders’

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB — toll expected to rise in May….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported

Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Bangalore beat Lucknow in low-scoring affair

The win has taken Bangalore to ten points and fifth

A divided oppn may not be able to fire ammo against govt

The JD(U) has sent a letter to the Congress’s Mallikarjun