Sri Lankan MP and economist Harsha de Silva has hailed India&rsquo;s defiance against the latest US trade tariffs, calling New Delhi&rsquo;s position a source of inspiration for Asia. Speaking in Colombo&rsquo;s Parliament, de Silva urged lawmakers to show respect for India, recalling how it was the only nation to extend substantial aid during Sri Lanka&rsquo;s 2022 economic collapse.
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t mock India when it faces challenges,&rdquo; he told fellow MPs, stressing that New Delhi provided nearly $4 billion in assistance and played a crucial role in securing IMF support for Sri Lanka&rsquo;s debt restructuring.
His remarks follow US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s announcement of an extra 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India&rsquo;s continued purchase of Russian oil. India has condemned the move as &ldquo;unfair and unjustified.&rdquo;
De Silva warned against forgetting the deep, historic ties between the two nations &mdash; from cultural and religious bonds to decades of political and economic cooperation. &ldquo;India stood by us in our darkest hour; it&rsquo;s our turn to stand by them,&rdquo; he said.
The Foreign Ministry in Colombo has previously described India as a &ldquo;trusted partner&rdquo; and &ldquo;first responder&rdquo; in times of crisis, highlighting its enduring role in South Asia&rsquo;s stability.

Lankan MP Backs India’s Stand on US Tariffs

Harsha de Silva praises India’s resilience, recalls 2022 crisis support to Sri Lanka

Lankan MP Backs India’s Stand on US Tariffs

Harsha de Silva praises India’s resilience, recalls 2022 crisis support to Sri Lanka

August 11, 2025 | 18:23 IST