Lok Sabha Question No. 147 (STARRED), answered on 2022-02-11
Subject: Financial Assistance to Neighbouring Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Vijayakumar (alias) Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.147

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2022

## FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

## * 147. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR (ALIAS) VIJAY VASANTH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

- (a) the details of financial assistance provided by India to neighbouring countries by way of loan extension during each of the last five years, country-wise;
- (b) the amount of financial assistance / economic package granted by India to Sri Lanka for the rehabilitation of war-affected people in the country during the said period;
- (c) the present status of war affected and displaced T amilian population in Sri Lanka;
- (d)  whether all the displaced and affected people have been resettled and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)

(a) to (e)  A statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION   NO.   *147   REGARDING   'FINANCIAL   ASSISTANCE   TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES' FOR ANSWER ON 11.02.2022.

(a) The details of financial assistance provided by India to neighbouring countries by way of loan extension during the last 5 years are as below:

(Amount in USD mn)

| Country     | LOC extended in 2017 (Jan-Dec)   | LOC extended in 2018 (Jan- Dec)   | LOC extended in 2019 (Jan- Dec)   | LOC extended in 2020 (Jan- Dec)   | LOC extended in 2021 (Jan-Dec)   | LOC extended in 2022 (Till date)   |
|-------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Afghanistan | -                                | -                                 | -                                 | -                                 | -                                | -                                  |
| Bangladesh  | 5000.00                          | -                                 | -                                 | -                                 | -                                | -                                  |
| Bhutan      | -                                | -                                 | -                                 | -                                 | -                                | -                                  |
| Myanmar     | -                                | -                                 | -                                 | -                                 | -                                | -                                  |
| Nepal       | -                                | -                                 | -                                 | -                                 | -                                | -                                  |
| Sri Lanka   | 45.27                            | 50.00                             | 400.00                            | 100.00                            | -                                | 500.00                             |
| Maldives    | -                                | -                                 | 800.00                            | 400.00                            | 90.00                            | -                                  |
| Total       | 5,045.27                         | 50.00                             | 1200.00                           | 500.00                            | 90.00                            | 500.00                             |

(b) to (e) Government   has   undertaken   a   number   of   projects   for   the rehabilitation of the war affected and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Besides assisting the affected people during the conflict, Government launched extensive humanitarian relief efforts after the end of the conflict.

India's total development portfolio in Sri Lanka is nearly US$ 4 billion, out of which the grant component is US$ 570 million. Government of India's flagship Housing Project, with an overall commitment of over INR 1372 crore in grants to construct 50,000 housing units, is a major initiative taken aimed at rehabilitation of the affected population. It includes 46,000 housing units for IDPs in the Northern and Eastern provinces and 4,000 housing units in Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka. An additional 10,000 houses (IHP Phase-4) have been announced by PM in 2017.

In addition to the construction of houses, the grant projects undertaken by the   Government   of   India   are   in   the   areas   of   upgradation   of   educational institutions including reconstruction of schools; supply of medical equipment and   construction   of   hospitals;   reviving   local   economies   and   creation   of livelihood; improving transportation, power and water supply; improving sports infrastructure and creation of infrastructure for cultural space, among others. Key projects undertaken with Indian assistance include the Jaffna Cultural Centre, Dickoya Hospital in Hatton, reconstruction of Northern Railway Lines, Kankesanthurai port, Palaly airport and island wide Ambulance services.

India's support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony. The Government of India has consistently called upon Sri Lanka during bilateral discussions at all levels to fulfill its commitments on addressing the issues related to protecting the interest of Tamils in Sri Lanka. This was reiterated during the visits of President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to India in November 2019 and February 2020, respectively, and during the India- Sri Lanka Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26 September 2020 between the two Prime Ministers as also EAM's visit to Colombo in January 2021. The issue was also discussed during the visit of Foreign Secretary to Sri Lanka in October 2021. India continues to remain engaged with Sri Lanka at all levels in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka.

At   the   46th   Session   of   the   UNHRC,   India   stressed   its   abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity. It was reiterated that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes to the unity and integrity of   Sri   Lanka.   Therefore,   India   believes   that   delivering   on   the   legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community is in the best interests of Sri Lanka.

***