Ajit Karn
As “blood is denser than water,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that it is natural for India to stand by Sri Lanka during its challenging economic times.
Blood is more dense than water. Mr. Jaishankar stated that it was natural for India to determine what it could do to support Sri Lanka during this very difficult time.
Following its “neighborhood first” policy, India has repeatedly supported its neighbouring nations during times of crisis.
In accordance with its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, India has always offered assistance to debt-ridden Sri Lanka. On March 16, New Delhi also distributed rations in Kalmunai.
Friday in New Delhi, EAM S Jaishankar spoke at the opening of The Exhibition Sri Lankan Architect ‘Geoffrey Bawa’
“As (Sanjay) Kulatunga, Trustee of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, and I discussed (India and Sri Lanka), I recalled the proverb that blood is thicker than water. Mr. Jaishankar stated, while speaking at the event, that it was natural for us to consider what we could do within our resources, capabilities, and efforts to support Sri Lanka during this very difficult period.
EAM stated, “When I think of Sri Lanka, the name Geoffrey Bawa comes to mind.”
“He is the pioneer of tropical modernism. We were invited to visit the parliament complex, per the introduction. What we observed was both simple and revolutionary, and it inspired many other regions of the globe. His achievements are not just in Sri Lanka,” he added.
EAM stated, “I am confident that this exhibition will foster a very close relationship between the two nations.”
Mr. Jaishankar stated, in reference to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, “It is only natural for India to step forward.” Blood is more viscous than water. It is normal during times of difficulty. “I have always believed that you (Sri Lanka) will overcome this difficulty, but it is essential that you have true allies by your side.”
“Culture is one manifestation of people-to-people exchanges, of which we are currently engaged in many.” Sri Lanka is an integral component of our shared past. Mr. Jaishankar added, “I am delighted to be present at this exhibition of the work of the renowned artist Geoffrey Bawa.”
Sri Lankan Ambassador Milinda Moragoda and Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi were also present at the exhibition’s opening.
Geoffrey Bawa was an architect from Sri Lanka. He was one of the generation’s most influential Asian architects. The individual was born in 1919 and died in 2003.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated earlier in March during a Raisina Dialogue ‘Ideas Pod’ that India assisted Sri Lanka more than any other nation, particularly when the island nation was enduring an unprecedented crisis.
Earlier in January, the Sri Lankan news outlet News 19 reported that India extended aid totaling USD 3.9 billion to assist Sri Lanka withstand the severe economic and financial crisis and meet its immediate requirements, such as pharmaceuticals, cooking gas, oil, and food items.
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Sri Lanka has received export credit facilities worth USD 1.5 billion from the EXIM bank and State bank of India of India for the import of essential goods. India also reached a USD 400 million agreement with Sri Lanka to aid in the preservation of the latter’s foreign exchange reserves.
According to News 19, Sri Lanka has received a USD 1 billion credit line for essential products, a USD 500 million credit line for petrol, and a USD 55 million credit line for fertiliser.
India has provided Sri Lanka with donations and humanitarian aid out of benevolence. The Sri Lankan Transport Department will receive 500 buses from India. Gopal Bagalay, the high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, presented over a total of 75 buses to Sri Lanka.
