India's cultural diplomacy shot

To resolve any bitterness between two, it's always advised that the festivals are the best time, and it seems that the ministry of external affairs took this very seriously, adding a pinch of 'cultural diplomacy' into it.
India's cultural diplomacy shot

NEW DELHI: To resolve any bitterness between two, it's always advised that the festivals are the best time, and it seems that the ministry of external affairs took this very seriously, adding a pinch of 'cultural diplomacy' into it.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a virtual meeting with the Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa on the festive day of 'Pongal', an auspicious day for the Tamil community, which also has a strong presence in Sri Lanka. This interaction follows Rajapaksa's visit to India last month.

Diplomatically, India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations do had some rough patches in the recent past when the Sri Lankan government allowed China to develop its port city — Hambantota, few miles away from the Indian maritime borders, and may have an adverse impact on Indian influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Through the Hambantota port, China was trying to have a strong foothold in said region, which directly influences two-third of global maritime trade, and it's the Hambantota from where these all started, Sri Lanka badly stuck into chineses debt trap, roughly amounting to over $3 billion. It has reported that debt ridden Sri Lanka seeks Chinese help again to settle its foreign debts.

On 'Pongal', both Ministers positively noted the extension of $400 million to Sri Lanka under the SAARC currency swap arrangement and deferral of A.C.U. settlement of $515.2 million by two months, which would assist Sri Lanka.

The two Ministers reviewed the progress in extending the Indian credit facility of $1 billion for importing food, essential items and medicine and $500 million for importing fuel from India.

Rajapaksa recalled India's long standing cooperation with Sri Lanka and deeply appreciated the gestures of support. He welcomed Indian investments in Sri Lanka. (IANS)

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