Categories: World

Indian High Commissioner meets Lankan Parliament Speaker, assures New Delhi’s support to island nation

<p>
India's High Commissioner to Colombo, Gopal Baglay called on Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Saturday and conveyed that New Delhi will continue to be supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in the island nation.</p>
<p>
"High Commissioner called on Hon’ble Speaker today morning. Appreciated Parliament's role in upholding democracy and Constitutional framework, especially at this crucial juncture. Conveyed that India will continue to be supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in Sri Lanka," tweeted the High Commission of India in Colombo today.</p>
<p>
In spite of the ongoing political and economic turmoil in the country, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to the people of the country and delivered 44,000 MT of urea for use by Lankan farmers last week.</p>
<p>
The Narendra Modi government has made it clear that ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of all countries in the region is an important aspect of its Neighbourhood First policy, as well as its vision for Security and Growth for All – SAGAR.</p>
<p>
"This is in the case of Sri Lanka clearly evident in the close and multifaceted relationship that we have with that country and the commitment we have demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people, to address the challenges that are rising out of the current situation in that country. We will, of course continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values as well as established institutions and a constitutional framework," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, earlier this week. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Demonstration of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s ongoing commitment to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>!! 44,000 MT of urea was delivered for use by farmers in 🇱🇰 last week. <a href="https://t.co/tY4fOhWufc">pic.twitter.com/tY4fOhWufc</a></p>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1548132575452880896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>
India has at the same time responded with urgency to assist the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming the economic hardships. This year itself, India has expeditiously finalized and delivered assistance as well as support worth about US$ 3.8 billion.</p>
<p>
"This is in the form of currency swaps, deferment of repayment of Sri Lanka's liabilities to the Reserve Bank of India under the Asian Clearing Union mechanism. Apart from of course, credit assistance, of about one and a half billion dollars for financing of imports of fuel, food, medicines, fertilizers, and other essential commodities from India," added Bagchi.</p>
<p>
As it continues to monitor the evolving situation in Colombo, New Delhi has emphasised that its ties with the island nation are historic and comprehensive, and it will continue to remain engaged with all relevant stakeholders in Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>
"We look forward to an early solution of the situation related to the government and its leadership through democratic means and values as I said, established institutions and constitutional framework," said the MEA spokesperson.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/india-slams-speculative-reports-on-sending-troops-to-sri-lanka-lends-unprecedented-support-of-over-us-billion-in-183094.html">India slams speculative reports on sending troops to Sri Lanka, lends unprecedented support of over US$ 3.8 billion in 2022</a></p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

VINBAX 2024: Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise concludes at Kaushalya Dam

The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its…

5 hours ago

India-Russia strengthen defence ties at 22nd Working Group meeting on military technical cooperation

The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military technical cooperation and defence industry…

5 hours ago

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

7 hours ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

7 hours ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

9 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

10 hours ago