On 17 March, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the State Bank of India (SBI) would extend a term loan of $1 billion to Sri Lanka, fully guaranteed by the Indian government. This was part of India’s finances.

• HCL Tech Shares Gain 2% on Partnering Up with Strategy 
• Shares of Shriram Pistons skyrocketed 9% on Acquiring Antolin Lighting
• Stocks in Focus: Lloyds Engineering, SEAMEC, RailTel, and Others
• Overnight Stock Market Movements: Key Developments 
• Stocks Under F&O Ban: Bandhan Bank, and Others

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was quoted saying by news agency PTI that the loan would be used for importing food, medicines, and other essential items.