Strange are the ways of reciprocation in the sphere of neighbourly relation that India maintained with Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives. While the neighbouring countries are free to pursue their foreign policy and international relations in their best economic and diplomatic relations, they should be sensitive towards the broader interests of their neighbours too. Of late, these neighbours, in varied contexts, have been indulging into certain acts that advance the Agenda of China and Pakistan who have been hostile towards India. Especially, Sri Lanka and Nepal have served the interests and geo-strategic advantages to China in the recent years as they walked into China's debt trap.
Sri Lankan act of leasing out Hambantota port to China as a naval and strategic base just near the coast of India is nothing but unbecoming of a good neighbour. The fall out is seen when the China's Ship which India feels is detrimental to its security has been anchored at Hambantota for over a week despite India's objections.
However, India despite all these provocations has been extending its helping hand to the island country as a big brother. India has already given substantial financial, food and medicine aid to Sri Lanka. India gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft on 15 August 2022 towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka.
Now, India handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertilizer to the crisis-ridden neighbour Sri Lanka adding to the fragrance of friendship and cooperation. The High Commissioner formally handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertilizer supplied under India`s special support to the people of Sri Lanka, tweeted the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This follows 44,000 tonnes supplied last month under Indian support totalling about USD 4 billion in 2022. The fertilizer will contribute to food security and support the farmers of Sri Lanka.
India has been at the forefront of extending economic assistance to Sri Lanka as per their requirements and is one of the countries that have provided the maximum amount of assistance in time of need. Since the beginning of 2022, Sri Lanka has experienced an escalating economic crisis and the government has defaulted on its foreign loans. The United Nations warned that 5.7 million people require immediate humanitarian assistance.
With many Sri Lankans experiencing extreme shortages of essentials including food and fuel, peaceful protests began in March. Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries. Sri Lanka must realise that it is its nearby neighbour who came to its rescue during the time of crisis and not its new found buddy thousands of miles away. Will Sri Lanka reciprocate India's friendly gesture in future? Only time will tell?
