New Delhi, April 10 (TIWN) In 2018, the Maldives faced a severe economic crisis and now in 2022, Sri Lanka is witnessing a similar situation. The problems in both the countries arose only after their short dalliance with China.

Sri Lanka, too, is facing a similar situation and India has promised to help the neighbouring country in distress as their relationship is rooted in the civilisational values and aspirations of the two peoples. To help mitigate the economic situation there India has extended assistance of $2.5 billion in the past two to three months, including credit facilities for fuel and food which are most required.

A geographically-dispersed country straddling a 960-km-long submarine ridge running north to south and forming a 'wall' in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is strategically important for India. While the Indian Ocean is considered as the key highway for global trade and energy flow, the Maldives virtually stands as a toll gate.