India has given a big relief to Sri Lanka amid the energy crisis caused by Iran’s war against America and Israel and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. India supplied a total of 38,000 metric tons of petroleum products to Sri Lanka as emergency assistance, which includes 20,000 metric tons of diesel and 18,000 metric tons of petrol.

Sri Lanka openly expressed gratitude to India after this help. According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, this supply was made at a time when the global supply chain had been disrupted due to the Iran war and Sri Lanka was facing a serious fuel crisis. Prominent Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also thanked India and said that real relationships are recognized in times of crisis, and India has proved this by supporting us in this difficult time.

China did not help

In January, Sri Lanka signed a $3.7 billion deal with China’s state energy company Sinopec to build a 200,000 barrel capacity oil refinery near Hambantota port. But China has not yet provided any help during the crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This statement of Premadasa is being seen as an indirect criticism of China.

Force majeure and disruption in international supplies

Due to the war in West Asia, many international suppliers refused to supply fuel citing ‘force majeure’. Sri Lanka got into serious trouble due to shortage of ships and obstruction in sea routes. In such a situation, India immediately provided emergency supplies through Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Earlier on March 24, there was a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anur Kumar Dissanayake, in which the situation in West Asia, disruption in supply chains and energy cooperation were discussed. At the same time, on March 23, Foreign Minister S. There was also a conversation between Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

Impact of fuel crisis in Sri Lanka

Due to the fuel crisis in Sri Lanka, the prices of petrol and diesel were recently increased by 25%. The price of petrol was increased to Rs 398 per liter and diesel to Rs 382 per liter. The situation became so serious that the government implemented a four-day working week and also promoted work from home.

Importance of Strait of Hormuz

About 20% of the world’s oil is supplied through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation worsened due to its closure. Sri Lanka is completely dependent on imported oil, hence this help from India proved to be a lifeline for it.

Hanimaadhoo Airport: A big regional cooperation is being seen between India and Maldives. In fact, Hanimadhoo International Airport was inaugurated in Maldives this week. This project has been completed with the financial and technical assistance of India. This airport was inaugurated by Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu and India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu did it jointly. In the meantime, let us know whether India will also get the fare for this international airport built with the help of India. Before this we will know what role India played in the construction of this airport.

India’s role in the construction of Hanimadhu International Airport

This new airport built in the northern part of Maldives was built in 2019 with a loan assistance of $ 800 million given by India’s EXIM Bank. The construction contract worth $136.6 million was given to India’s JMC Projects Limited. This company successfully completed this project.

Let us tell you that this airport has been designed to operate large commercial aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Its annual passenger capacity is 13 lakh passengers. Its runway is quite modern and the airport is also equipped with advanced terminal facilities. This project has been prepared under India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Sagar’ or ‘Ocean Vision’ policies. The objective of these policies is to increase connectivity, maritime cooperation and regional development in the Indian Ocean region.

Will India get the rent for this airport?

India will not get any rent or revenue from this airport. This money was given as a loan, not as an ownership based investment. This means that India will not get ownership or rent of the airport. The Maldives government will repay the loan as per the terms agreed with EXIM Bank and the entire revenue of this airport will go directly to Maldives. India’s role in this entire project has been that of a development partner and not a profit seeking applicant.

Promotion of tourism and trade in Northern Maldives

After this airport, a big change will be seen in the economy of Northern Maldives. With the capacity to handle large commercial aircraft, this new facility will significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals, especially from India, Europe and the Middle East. Apart from this, the airport will also provide export opportunities for local industries.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave on important tour of Britain and Maldives from July 23 to July 26. The purpose of this visit is to give a new strength to India’s diplomatic relations and expand the business partnership. Also, PM Modi will sign the Indo-Bitten Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the first phase tour of Britain on 23-24 July.

This historic agreement will pave the way for reduction of tariffs on 99 percent of Indian exports. This will give Indian companies a market in Britain, while the Indian market will open for British products like whiskey and cars. This agreement is the result of strict talks that have been going on for the last three years, which aims to make the business environment more favorable for both countries. FTA will not only deepen business relations between India and Britain, but will also strengthen security and strategic partnership.

PM Modi will reach Maldives on 25-26 July

Prime Minister Modi will reach Maldives on 25-26 July, where he will be the chief guest of the 60th National Day celebrations. The visit will be PM Modi’s first bilateral visit under the rule of President Mohammad Mujju. This tour is considered to be very important in view of the recent tension in India-Maldives relations. Circumstances such as the ‘India Out’ campaign and the current government’s inclination towards China had caused bilateral relations. His visit will be an important step towards restoring the trust between the two countries and strengthening mutual cooperation.

An opportunity to repeat India’s ‘NeighBourhood First’ policy

The tour is an opportunity to repeat India’s ‘NeighBourhood First’ policy, under which India wants to have a close and balanced relationship with its marine neighbors. Prime Minister Modi’s last visit to Maldives took place in June 2019. At the same time, President Mujju visited India in October 2024 and indicated to improve relations. In such a situation, this visit of Prime Minister Modi can prove to be a new direction to bilateral cooperation.

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