नवीनतम
India commits USD 450 mn reconstruction package to Lanka: Jaishankar
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India has committed a relief and reconstruction package worth USD 450 million to help Sri Lanka recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Tuesday.
Speaking as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy in Colombo, Jaishankar handed over a letter from the Prime Minister to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake detailing the assistance, which includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants.
The EAM held discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, focusing on expediting aid delivery and addressing the island nation's reconstruction priorities.
"As the special envoy of PM Modi and carrying a message for President. We had a detailed discussion on the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The letter from PM Modi that I handed over builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million. Our talks centered around how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered," Jaishankar said.
He emphasised India's immediate response to the disaster. "Our assistance builds on India's first responder role. Operation Sagar Bandhu commenced on the very day the cyclone made landfall," the EAM said, noting that restoring connectivity and critical infrastructure was a top priority.
Jaishankar underscored India's continued support to Sri Lanka during its ongoing economic challenges, mentioning efforts to promote Indian tourism and encourage foreign direct investment to help boost the nation's economy during this critical period.
"As our closest neighbour and in line with our neighbourhood first policy, it was only natural that India stepped forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis. We have done so when you were going through economic difficulties as well. In the case of cyclone Ditwah, you would also appreciate that India has been also a strong advocate of cooperation," Jaishankar said.
"India stands firmly with Sri Lanka, in line with our 'neighbourhood first' policy," he added.
The announcement comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and displaced thousands of people.
