External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar says that they extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward with the expectation that this will not only strengthen Sri Lanka's position but ensure that all bilateral creditors are dealt with equally.
Speaking to journalists in Colombo on Friday, Jaishankar emphasized that India is a reliable neighbor and a trustworthy partner, one who is prepared to go the extra mile.
"My primary purpose of coming to Colombo at this time is to express India's solidarity with Sri Lanka during these difficult moments. For us, it was an issue of the neighborhood first and not leaving a partner to fend for themselves," he said.
"We felt strongly that Sri Lanka's creditors must take proactive steps to facilitate its recovery. India decided not to wait on others but to do what we believe is right.
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Last year, India extended about 4 billion dollars in terms of credits and rollovers to help Sri Lanka get through an economic crisis.
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