India extends support to Sri Lanka to overcome these unprecedented times. Fighting a battle of economic crisis and dearth of supplies, the Lankan people have decided to overthrow their present government. India has always been a good neighbor to Sri Lanka and now being an aid giver.
Extending Hands amidst Chaos
India has been supporting Sri Lanka by providing its people with basic requirements ranging from oil, medicine, and food supplies. Taking over the role of a friendly neighbor, India’s support extends by contributing over US$ 3.8 billion to tackle the economic crisis. Alongside, India is closely following the developments and meeting their needs without compromising India’s needs.
Indian Government’s Verdict
“India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
India has also assured that it
“stands with the people of Sri Lanka”
along with respecting their democratic values. The government’s verdict is affirmative, as India will be working for the Lankan people and has no intention of backing the Rajapaksa family or any other political leader.
Western Countries’ Negligence
In the words of G.Parthasarathy, former Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Western countries are not coming forward to help Sri Lanka. Instead, they are criticizing the Government and the people. These Western Countries are in an effort to pour millions into Ukraine but not into a country that is in dire need of money and supplies. A pathetic and disappointing situation when rich countries go on talking about war instead of dealing with hunger and the economic needs of people.
Banks on Process
While predicting the chances for this crisis to continue for a long time remains high, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have been approaching at a slower pace. They are still working on the conditions and details. The real assistance, apart from India being an aid giver, must come from World Bank and IMF, where IMF is still closely monitoring the situation.
Impact on Geopolitics of the Region
Sri Lanka is of little use to anyone and thus china, as always, has been committed to spending only in the locations where they have a market. China’s Embassy in Sri Lanka has warned its nationals to stay away from the protest. India stands as a good neighbor to all the nationals in Sri Lanka, while the Chinese Government is focused only on Chinese national’s security.
A Delicate Diplomatic Exercise
Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs has marked on Sunday that,
“answers to Sri Lanka are in Sri Lanka.”
According to G. Parthasarthy, “Jaishankar knows Sri Lanka well” and he is a three-day visit to the state capital to comprehend the crisis thereby working with IMF and other partner countries. Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman also spoke on behalf of Sri Lanka to assure “fullest support” amidst the crisis.
Shavendra Silva, Army Chief General of Sri Lanka urges people to stay put. Until now, thousands of people have barged into the president’s place for his resignation, and Prime Minister has also offered to resign. After India’s aid, Army is the only body to give assurance to the Lankan people to decide on an all-party Government and pass through these unprecedented times.
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