Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland called India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during the crisis generous and multi-faceted. Scotland also applauded India’s prominent role in combating the global crisis. Moreover, she mentioned that the Commonwealth is working towards a more holistic approach to ensure food security.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General described India’s aid to other countries battling the Coronavirus pandemic as an extraordinary international service and leadership. Scotland visited India for four days to discuss regional and global issues like climate change and post-pandemic economic recovery. During her visit, she said, “India’s generous and multi-faceted assistance to Sri Lanka is heartening. It exemplifies both the spirit and values of the Commonwealth.”
India and its neighbour, Sri Lanka, are among the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth that own a quarter of the world’s land mass. They also represent around 2.5 billion people and have a combined GDP of more than USD 13 trillion. During Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, the country extended monetary help worth USD 3.8 billion.
“In spirit, we are a family of nations, and families rally to help one another in times of need. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s support for the quest of the Sri Lankan people for stability and economic recovery. He established it through democratic means, institutions, and constitutional framework,” she said
“The unprecedented challenges Sri Lanka is facing have required, and still require, the dedication and fortitude of its leaders as well as the support of the international community,” Scotland said.
Patricia Scotland referred to India as a prominent part of the international community in the fight against the acute crisis. She said they would offer urgent practical and financial support to the countries and communities in crisis.
She appreciated India’s move of supplying vaccines to 98 countries and medicines to 150 countries since the beginning of the pandemic. “India’s trade with other Commonwealth members is significant and growing, and the nation is a key driver of intra-Commonwealth trade in goods and services,” she said.
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