Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
4. Given the history of bilateral ties, there is enormous scope for India to engage in a constructive way with Sri Lanka and help it tide over the current crisis. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
On the row over the visit by a Chinese vessel, Sri Lanka’s envoy Milinda Moragoda said ship visits were earlier not taken very seriously but the two sides probably need to develop some kind of framework to ensure that “this type of incident [or] misunderstanding on security does not occur”.
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:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Body:
In the first part, write about the historical bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Next, 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. Also, mention the cautious approach India must take to offset any Chinese propaganda in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
