Adding that there is currently no refugee problem, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Sunday that India has been helping Sri Lanka and is keeping an eye on its developments.

“We have supported Sri Lanka, are making efforts to assist, and have always been helpful. They are attempting to solve their issue; the outcome will be seen,” stated MEA Jaishankar. The remarks made by Jaishankar show how India has remained supportive of its neighbours despite adverse circumstances.

In accordance with its “neighbourhood first policy,” India has swiftly reacted to the government of Sri Lanka’s appeal for support in overcoming hardships and would strengthen economic ties between the two nations through the use of renewable energy and connected infrastructure.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “India has delivered aid of around 3.5 billion dollars which has been given through currency swap, financing of food, and fuel. medicines and fertilisers.”

In answer to a question regarding relations between India and Sri Lanka, he stated, “We have responded urgently to the government of Sri Lanka’s plea for support in overcoming adversities,” adding, “India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and works in their best interest.”

Arindam Bagchi emphasised that India had prioritised the “neighbourhood first” strategy and stated that his country would work to strengthen economic ties between the two nations through infrastructural connectivity and renewable energy.

India has been actively assisting Sri Lanka amid its economic crisis in accordance with its “neighbourhood first” policy.

Over 25 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies supplied by the Indian government and people over the past two months are estimated to be worth close to SLR 370 million. This is in addition to the approximately USD 3.5 billion in economic aid and the provision of additional humanitarian commodities including rice, milk powder, and kerosene.

The Government of India continues to provide help to the people of Sri Lanka in a variety of ways, including financial aid, support with foreign exchange, material supply, and many more. These initiatives demonstrate the relevance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighborhood First” policy, which prioritises interpersonal interaction.

Since February, there has been a diesel scarcity in Sri Lanka, resulting in lengthy daily power outages. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing severe food and electricity shortages, requiring the nation to ask for assistance from its neighbours.

Foreign currency shortages brought on by a ban on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic are blamed for the slump. The nation is unable to purchase enough petroleum and gasoline, and the populace is also lacking in necessities.

Following the unrest on Saturday, when tens of thousands of demonstrators surrounded his official residence in Colombo’s capital city and forced him to escape, several spectacular footage has been making the rounds on social media.

They stormed into President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s home with the demand for his resignation, smashed down police-erected security barriers, jumped in the pool, and ransacked his kitchen and residence.

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text.