New Delhi, 23 June
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has assured in a surprise visit to Sri Lanka that India will extend its full support to the financially stricken country as a close friend to tide over its current difficult situation. Kwatra made a surprise visit to the island as the head of an Indian delegation that included Chief Economic Adviser V. Ananth Nageswaran.
The president’s media wing said Kwatra made the remarks during a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
In a tweet, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that Kwatra had “useful discussions on the current situation in Sri Lanka and India’s ongoing support”.
The Indian team reached Colombo to consider providing further financial aid to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has already received essential food items, fuel, medicine and fertilizers under the Indian Credit Line Facility. The two sides discussed in detail the future course of action of the Indian aid program to stabilize and revive Sri Lanka’s economy.
Other members of the delegation included Economic Relations Secretary Ajay Seth, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K Jacob and Joint Secretary (IOR) Karthik Pandey.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that there are also plans to hold a donor conference with China, India and Japan. “We need the support of India, Japan and China, who have been historical allies,” he said.
The delegation reached Colombo by a special flight and spent only a few hours before flying back.