Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
5. The economic emergency in Sri Lanka is a challenge as well as an opportunity for India to improve bilateral relations with the island nation. Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Sri Lanka’s government declared an economic emergency last week amid rising food prices, a depreciating currency, and rapidly depleting forex reserves.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenges posed to India because of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and also the opportunities it presents.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Body:
Firstly, account for the crisis in Sri Lanka and then write about the challenges it creates for India – further alignment Beijing, Strategic Interests of India in SL, Economic ties, Infrastructural investments in various projects etc.
Next, write how India can use this as opportunity to help SL tide the crisis as part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
