Countries facing economic pressure from the ongoing Middle East conflict are set to receive fresh financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as governments seek to manage rising costs, external shocks, and disruptions affecting key sectors.
The ADB announced that it will provide a US$4 billion financial assistance package to 15 countries, including Sri Lanka, to help address the economic consequences emerging from the conflict.
The support package combines direct government financing with trade finance facilities aimed at maintaining access to essential imports.
Support focuses on economic stability
According to the ADB, approximately US$3 billion will be provided in response to requests made by governments, while a further US$1 billion will be channeled through trade finance mechanisms to support energy and food imports.
ADB President Mr. Masato Kanda said the institution is responding to a range of economic challenges faced by member countries.
“ADB is acting with speed and scale to support countries experiencing a range of impacts from the Middle East conflict, including pressure on finances, remittances, tourism, and fuel and fertilizer supplies,” he said.
“At this time of acute uncertainty and risk, we are deploying our full suite of crisis response instruments including budget support, trade finance, and a new mechanism to rapidly repurpose existing portfolio funds to deliver the tailored and timely support our members, from large to small, need to safeguard their economies and communities.”
Sri Lanka among 15 countries seeking assistance
The ADB confirmed that it has received formal requests for assistance from 15 affected governments across the region.
These include previously announced requests from Bangladesh, Fiji, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
According to the ADB, the requested support packages range from US$15 million to US$1.5 billion depending on the needs of individual countries.
The assistance includes policy-based loans, countercyclical financing, emergency assistance loans, and mechanisms that allow existing sovereign project funds to be redirected toward urgent economic priorities.
The bank also stated that discussions are continuing with four additional countries that remain affected by the economic consequences of the conflict.
Broader regional support underway
Alongside the crisis-response package, the ADB revealed that India has requested US$1.5 billion in financing to strengthen economic resilience and support ongoing reform programs.
The proposed financing includes US$1 billion for urban transformation initiatives and US$500 million for rooftop solar development and energy security programs.
The latest assistance package reflects growing concern among international financial institutions over the broader economic impact of the Middle East conflict, particularly on fuel prices, food security, trade flows, remittances, and tourism-dependent economies.
As external pressures continue, the availability of multilateral financing is expected to play an important role in helping affected countries manage economic risks and maintain stability.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Last modified: June 13, 2026
