US Commits $553 Million For Adani's Port Terminal In Sri Lanka To Counter China's Influence

In a strategic move to counter China's growing influence in South Asia, the United States has pledged 553 million dollars in financing for a major port terminal project in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, as reported by Bqprime.

This development project is led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and represents the largest infrastructure investment in Asia by the US International Development Finance Corp. (DFC).

Sri Lanka had previously taken on substantial debt from China for various port and highway projects, resulting in an economic crisis.

The US and India are now working to reduce China's sway over Sri Lanka, making this funding an emblem of their commitment to the Indo-Pacific region's development.

The West Container Terminal in Colombo is of significant importance due to its strategic location along international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean.

It operates at over 90 per cent utilization and urgently requires expansion to meet the demands of the global shipping industry.

The DFC's investment will be carried out in partnership with sponsors John Keells Holdings Plc and Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd., leveraging their local expertise and high-quality standards.

This initiative also provides a much-needed endorsement for the Adani Group, which has faced allegations of corporate fraud and controversy.

The DFC's funding aims to create greater prosperity in Sri Lanka without increasing the nation's sovereign debt and simultaneously bolster the position of US allies in the region.