Over 120 flights land at India’s Kerala airports from Sri Lanka says Indian media
NDTV: India’s Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on 13 July applauded the Trivandrum and Cochin airports for going out of their way to help crisis-hit Sri Lanka, after over 120 flights bound for the island were allowed technical landing.
“The airports have gone beyond their call of duty by allowing technical landing to 120+ aircraft bound for Sri Lanka. The gesture will go a long way in furthering ties with our neighbour,” Scindia said in a tweet.
Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives, after months of protests against his Government over the worst economic crisis in the nation’s history. India has said that the situation in Sri Lanka is extremely sensitive and they are focusing on ways to help the island nation at this time of need.
Sri Lanka has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Presently, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and India enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties and the latest assistance provided by the Indian aviation authorities is indicative of the magnitude of the relations. The two countries also enjoy an operational free trade agreement (FTA) and is now looking at further enhancing these ties. The close proximity between Sri Lanka and India has also made it possible for the Indian markets to gain quick access to Sri Lanka via the island’s port and airport in the northern province. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry also notes a very high tourist arrivals from India. All these are indicative of the opportunities available in Sri Lanka for Indian businesses/investors. Also, other foreign businesses interested in doing business with India could look at setting up base in Sri Lanka to enter the Indian economy using the preferential status enjoyed by Sri Lanka.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/26072022/X_2 |