India Extended Support Worth Over $3.5 Billion To Sri Lanka So Far This Year: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that India extended support worth $3.5 billion to crisis-hit Sri Lanka in 2022.

In response to media queries on developments in Sri Lanka, the MEA said that India fully supports the Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

"As a close neighbour of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recovery," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement on Tuesday (10 May).

"In keeping with our Neighbourhood First policy, India has extended this year alone support worth over US$ 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties," he said.

Earlier on Monday (9 May), Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had resigned after violent protests against his government as the Island nation is facing its worst economic crisis and its people are facing an acute shortage of food, fuel and water.

"In addition, the people of India have provided assistance for mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food, medicine etc," the MEA spokesperson added.

"India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes," he added.