While Pakistan grapples with an economic crisis that threatens life as many citizens know it, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has implied that India will take a backseat in providing relief to its neighbouring nation, the first time India has responded to the issue there.
Jaishankar said that Pakistan’s future is largely determined by its actions and choices and that India would not be able to play a role in aiding its neighbouring nation. He referred to India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during their economic crisis and explained that the two nations shared a “very different relationship”. India is willing to provide assistance to its neighbours during times of crisis, but not to Pakistan.
India has committed more than $3 billion to Sri Lanka in loans, credit lines, and credit swipes as the island nation navigate its worst economic crisis since independence. Jaishankar expressed concern for Sri Lanka’s concerns and worries, but also a feeling that India has a responsibility to help them get through the crisis.
