India’s Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa today.
Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka last night for bi-lateral talks and to participate in a meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation in Colombo.
“Began the visit by meeting Finance Minister @RealBRajapaksa,” Jaishankar tweeted.
The Indian Minister further said the two officials discussed Sri Lanka’s economic situation and India’s supportive response during the meeting.
He added that India will continue to be guided by the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
According to sources, India’s Foreign Minister has also assured further financial support for Sri Lanka in the future.
The sources said Dr. Jaishankar has informed Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa of India’s willingness to extend further financial assistance.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when a Line of Credit of US$ 1 billion had been extended by India to Sri Lanka recently to face its worsening economic crisis.
The credit line from India has been provided to assist Sri Lanka to address the current shortage of several essential items, including fuel, gas, food items, and medicines.
India is among several other countries Sri Lanka is in talks with, to resolve the deepening economic crisis. (NewsWire)