We Take Pride in Being Sri Lanka’s Most Reliable Friend - Indian Envoy

COLOMBO (News 1st); India says it remains deeply committed to accelerating Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long‑term growth, with High Commissioner Santosh Jha reaffirming New Delhi’s role as the island’s “most dependable partner” during a wide‑ranging address on bilateral ties, investment, and India’s own economic rise.

Jha said India views the current moment, marked by the economic crisis and the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, not only as a challenge but as a turning point offering new opportunities to rebuild and re‑energize Sri Lanka’s economic foundations.

Jha noted that India is eager to continue expanding its investments across Sri Lanka.

“We have great interest in continuing our own investments in Sri Lanka to grow, help grow Sri Lanka, recover from the economic crisis and the more recent devastating impacts of Ditwah.”

He echoed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s vision that the aftermath of Ditwah, despite its destruction, opens space for renewal and strategic reinvestment.

“Ditwah is also an opportunity in many ways… It’s an opportunity to rebuild, it’s an opportunity to invest.”

According to him, both India’s reconstruction package and the Sri Lankan government’s rebuilding program will stimulate fresh economic activity.

The High Commissioner said the India–Sri Lanka partnership remains strong, stable, and uniquely relevant in a fast‑changing world.

“We, as neighbors, are naturally partners. But more than that, our relationship is rooted in history… alive in contemporary times. The stability and quality of our relationship is really remarkable.”

“We take pride in being Sri Lanka's most reliable friend and the most dependable partner.”

Jha also shared an overview of India’s rapid economic transformation, portraying it as one of the world’s fastest‑growing major economies.

Key points he noted:

A Vibrant Democracy & Global Economic Power

India is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy.

It has recently emerged as the fourth-largest economy.

It achieved 8.2% growth in the June–October quarter.

According to long‑term trends, India typically surpasses global forecasts.

“When IMF says India grows at 7.3%, it grows at 8% roughly.”

He described India as a USD 4 trillion economy, on course to become USD 7 trillion by 2030/31, and expected to be the world’s third-largest economy before the end of this decade.

In a candid remark, Jha said his diplomatic mission differs from traditional ambassadorial roles.

“In Sri Lanka, my job is more to get inward investments from India into Sri Lanka, which is quite an opposite of what normally ambassadors do around the world.”

He positioned India’s economic rise as something meant to uplift its closest partners,especially Sri Lanka.