Neighbouring countries top India's priority: Jaishankar said - We helped Sri Lanka first

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has spoken of not leaving Sri Lanka alone in bad times. He said that India puts its neighbours first in its priority. To improve the economic condition of Sri Lanka, India took appropriate steps without waiting for others.
S Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. On the second day on Friday, he met several leaders including Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Ali Sabri. During this, he also asked the Sri Lankan government to pay special attention to the needs of the Tamil community of Indian origin.
Sri Lanka is trying to get a bailout package of $2.9 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For this, it is necessary to give financial assurance to the IMF through the 3 big lending countries of Sri Lanka – India, China and Japan.
India first gave financial assurance to the IMF in writing on January 16, so that Sri Lanka could get help from the IMF. Jaishankar has also asked other creditors to help Sri Lanka.
Jaishankar extended an invitation to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to visit India on behalf of PM Modi. He said that India is a reliable and trustworthy partner. He is ready to go the extra mile with Sri Lanka if needed.
The Foreign Minister said that India will promote investment in Sri Lanka's economy. Especially in key sectors like energy, tourism and infrastructure. He described the energy crisis as the most serious challenge facing Sri Lanka.
Last year Sri Lanka faced the biggest economic crisis in its history. Then India had given financial assistance of more than 4 billion dollars to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabri has thanked India for this help. Sabri said that it was with the help of India that Sri Lanka was able to achieve some degree of financial balance.