Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TP
Context: Prime Minister of India visit to Sri Lanka strengthened bilateral ties with 7 key MoU’s in defence, energy, and digitization. The visit also addressed China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Recent Outcomes of India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Meet:
- Defence Cooperation Agreement:
- Umbrella MoU signed for structured military collaboration, countering China’s Hambantota port presence.
Example: Joint exercises like SLINEX (Navy), MITRA SHAKTI (Army) to expand.
- Energy & Infrastructure Boost:
- Trincomalee Energy Hub development with UAE partnership.
- Solar power plant launched in Trincomalee; railway projects worth $106M inaugurated.
- Economic Support:
- $100M Indian loans converted to grants; interest rates reduced on existing debt.
Example: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (2022) saw India provide $4B aid.
- Cultural & Religious Ties:
- Buddha relics from Gujarat to be displayed in Sri Lanka for Vesak 2025.
- India to renovate Thirukoneswaram Temple and Sita Eliya Temple.
- Digital & Health Collaboration:
- MoUs on e-governance, healthcare, and Eastern Province development.
Historical India–Sri Lanka Relations:
- Ancient Civilizational Links: Emperor Ashoka sent his children to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE to propagate Buddhism, linking Bodh Gaya with Anuradhapura’s Mahabodhi Temple.
- Colonial & Post-Independence Ties: Both nations shared anti-colonial struggles, and formal diplomatic relations began in 1948 soon after Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule.
- IPKF & Civil War: India’s 1987–1990 peacekeeping mission during the LTTE conflict strained ties, despite intentions to stabilize the ethnic crisis.
- Trade & Connectivity: The 2000 India–Sri Lanka FTA boosted trade to $5.54 billion in 2023–24, with resumed ferry services reconnecting Tamil Nadu and Jaffna.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Since 2014, India has built 60,000 houses for war-affected Tamils and provided essential aid during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis.
Challenges to Bilateral Ties
- China’s Strategic Inroads: The 99-year lease of Hambantota Port to China and docking of Yuan Wang 5 in 2022 raise major security concerns for India.
- Fishermen Disputes: Frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen near Katchatheevu Island highlight unresolved maritime boundaries and livelihood tensions.
- Sri Lanka’s Debt Crisis: A $3.7 billion Chinese oil refinery deal in 2025 deepens Colombo’s economic dependency, limiting India’s strategic influence.
- Political Instability: Shifting coalitions in Sri Lanka, including pro-China factions, challenge sustained engagement with India-friendly policies.
- Ethnic Reconciliation: Post-war Tamil grievances remain unresolved, with limited progress on devolution under the 13th Amendment supported by India.
Way Forward
- Counter China’s Influence: India must accelerate Trincomalee port development and strategic investments to counterbalance China’s expanding Indian Ocean footprint.
- Boost Trade & Investment: Finalizing the ETCA will deepen economic ties and attract Indian investment in tourism, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
- Maritime Security: India should expand the Colombo Security Conclave with Mauritius and Maldives to ensure regional maritime domain awareness.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting Buddhist heritage circuits linking Bodh Gaya and Anuradhapura can strengthen soft power and people-to-people ties.
- People-Centric Projects: Scaling Indian housing, education, and skills initiatives, especially in Tamil-majority areas, will foster goodwill and trust.
Conclusion:
India-Sri Lanka ties, rooted in history and geography, must adapt to 21st-century geopolitics. Balancing development aid, security cooperation, and cultural bonds will ensure Colombo remains a trusted partner, not a Chinese satellite.
PYQ:
- ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC-2022)
