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QUESTION NO-2135 INDIA’S STAND ON SRI LANKAN CRISIS

August 04, 2022

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2135
ANSWERED ON-04/08/2022

INDIA’S STAND ON SRI LANKAN CRISIS

2135. SMT. SHANTA CHHETRI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether India is taking any steps/measures to help Sri Lanka from the unprecedented crisis;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether India will consider military support to restore peace and normalcy;

(d) any other means and ways through which India extends its support to the Sri Lanka; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) to (e): Under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours. In line with this policy, India continues to assist Sri Lanka in its economic development as also support it in overcoming its economic challenges. In January 2022, India extended a US$ 400 million currency swap to Sri Lanka under the SAARC Framework and deferred successive Asian Clearing Union (A.C.U.) settlements till July 6, 2022. A Line of Credit of US$ 500 million was extended to Sri Lanka for importing fuel from India. In addition, India has extended a credit facility of US$ 1 billion for the procurement of food, medicines and other essential items from India. Humanitarian assistance was also provided to Sri Lanka by gifting essential medicines worth about INR 6 crores, 15,000 litres of kerosene oil and US $ 55 million LoC for procurement of Urea fertilizer. Government of Tamil Nadu has contributed rice, milk powder and medicines worth US$ 16 million, as part of the larger Indian assistance effort.

India will continue to be supportive of the quest of the people of Sri Lanka for stability and economic recovery, through established democratic norms, institutions and constitutional framework.

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