A delegation of Indian diplomats met Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister late last week to discuss further measures aimed at rescuing the collapsing Sri Lankan economy.
India has already provided $4 billion in loans to Sri Lanka, but, due to chronic shortages, the island state is in need of more funds to supply its 22 million people with basic supplies over the next six months.
In a statement, the Indian foreign ministry said that ‘the Government of India will extend its fullest support to Sri Lanka in overcoming the current difficult situation, as a close friend.
Competition for influence in Sri Lanka between major nations has been fierce for several years, as the island nation’s strategic location and deep-water harbour mean it is of vital importance in the geo-political calculations of China, India and the United States.
[Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/busy-street-sri-lanka-market-people-4534538/]