 "‘We’re generous, non-reciprocal but…’: Jaishankar reminds Sri Lanka of a ‘neighbour’s responsibility’")
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis, emphasising India’s support in helping the country recover.
Speaking at Chatham House in London on Wednesday, he said that the Narendra Modi-led government provided Sri Lanka with a financial package of over $4 billion to help it overcome the severe economic downturn in 2022, which also led to a political crisis.
“…When Sri Lanka had a very serious financial crisis, while the rest of the world largely sat on its hands, we actually came forward with a package of more than $4 billion, which was almost twice the size of the IMF package… But while we are a larger economy and, by and large, we are generous and non-reciprocal, we have interests like any nation. So, we also expect our neighbours to recognise that and to cater to our sensitivities as well. So, I’m not saying that it has to be an equal give and take, but there are gives and takes. And I think, just like we have a responsibility to our neighbours, our neighbours also have a responsibility to us,” Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar was speaking at an event hosted by Chatham House in collaboration with the High Commission of India in the UK, where he discussed India’s evolving role in global affairs.
EAM also emphasised that the shift in the White House is pushing the world towards multipolarity.
Jaishankar heckled by pro-Khalistan protesters
As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar left the venue after his speech, pro-Khalistan protesters confronted and heckled him.
A video circulating online shows a man running towards Jaishankar’s vehicle and tearing the Indian national flag. The incident is alarming, as it took place in front of London police officers, who did not intervene despite the chaos.
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