<p>India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held talks with Sri Lanka's president and prime minister on Thursday as India signalled its willingness to go beyond the $4 billion in loans, swaps and aid that it has already provided its cash-strapped neighbour.</p>.<p>Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades, with a severe foreign exchange shortage hampering the import of essentials including food, fuel and medicines.</p>.<p>The island nation off the tip of southeast India needs about $5 billion in the next six months to cover basic necessities for its 22 million people, who have been struggling with long queues, worsening shortages and power cuts.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/sri-lankas-economy-has-completely-collapsed-wickremesinghe-1120335.html" target="_blank">Sri Lanka's economy has 'completely collapsed': Wickremesinghe</a></strong></p>.<p>Kwatra, accompanied by finance ministry officials, held talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the commercial capital Colombo, officials said.</p>.<p>"Underlined India stands ready to help Sri Lanka in quick economic recovery through promoting investments, connectivity and strengthening economic linkages," Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Twitter.</p>.<p>The Indian team held a separate meeting with Wickremesinghe, the Central Bank governor and finance ministry officials, an official from the prime minister's office said.</p>.<p>"The delegation will also hold discussions with senior officials on the economic situation in the country and the short-term and long-term assistance requirements," Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>India has been the principal source of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka this year, supplying more than $4 billion, Wickremesinghe told parliament this week.</p>.<p>The neighbours are also in talks for additional support including a $500 million credit line for fuel and help with importing fertilizer and rice as Sri Lanka attempts to stave off a food crisis, officials said.</p>.<p>Sri Lanka plans to hold a donor conference with China, India and Japan, Wickremesinghe said, as it continues talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package of about $3 billion.</p>
<p>India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held talks with Sri Lanka's president and prime minister on Thursday as India signalled its willingness to go beyond the $4 billion in loans, swaps and aid that it has already provided its cash-strapped neighbour.</p>.<p>Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades, with a severe foreign exchange shortage hampering the import of essentials including food, fuel and medicines.</p>.<p>The island nation off the tip of southeast India needs about $5 billion in the next six months to cover basic necessities for its 22 million people, who have been struggling with long queues, worsening shortages and power cuts.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/sri-lankas-economy-has-completely-collapsed-wickremesinghe-1120335.html" target="_blank">Sri Lanka's economy has 'completely collapsed': Wickremesinghe</a></strong></p>.<p>Kwatra, accompanied by finance ministry officials, held talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the commercial capital Colombo, officials said.</p>.<p>"Underlined India stands ready to help Sri Lanka in quick economic recovery through promoting investments, connectivity and strengthening economic linkages," Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Twitter.</p>.<p>The Indian team held a separate meeting with Wickremesinghe, the Central Bank governor and finance ministry officials, an official from the prime minister's office said.</p>.<p>"The delegation will also hold discussions with senior officials on the economic situation in the country and the short-term and long-term assistance requirements," Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>India has been the principal source of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka this year, supplying more than $4 billion, Wickremesinghe told parliament this week.</p>.<p>The neighbours are also in talks for additional support including a $500 million credit line for fuel and help with importing fertilizer and rice as Sri Lanka attempts to stave off a food crisis, officials said.</p>.<p>Sri Lanka plans to hold a donor conference with China, India and Japan, Wickremesinghe said, as it continues talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package of about $3 billion.</p>