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  • Dec 09, 2023
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BRIDGE THIS DEFICIT BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA

Syllabus: 

  • GS 2: India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.

Why in the News?

  • The recent announcement by Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposing the establishment of land connectivity with India is a significant step towards regional economic integration.
  • This idea, initially floated two decades ago, holds the potential to enhance economic growth opportunities between the two nations.
Source: Pioneer

Land Connectivity Proposal

Origin of the Proposal:

  • Sri-lanks’s President first proposed the idea of a bridge linking Rameswaram in TamilNadu with Talaimanar in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
  • Part of a broader vision for regional economic integration, promoting collaboration between Sri Lanka and southern states of India.

Historical Opposition:

  • Opposition from groups representing Sinhalese-Buddhists previously hindered progress.
  • In 2015, India’s Road Transport Minister highlighted funding possibilities for the bridge project, but faced criticism from project opponents in Sri Lanka.

Continued Commitment:

  • Despite challenges, both the countries  sustained the idea of land connectivity.
  • Mentioned in a joint statement in July, with plans for a feasibility study.

Power Grid: Unfulfilled Potential

Long-standing Proposal:

  • The concept of connecting the electricity networks of India and Sri Lanka was introduced as early as 1970.
  • A memorandum of understanding on a bilateral grid was signed over 13 years ago.

Lack of Progress:

  • Despite the signed agreement, no electricity has been transmitted between the two countries.
  • In contrast, India has successfully exported significant energy to Bangladesh in recent years.

Missed Opportunities:

  • Slow progress on the transmission network project between Madurai (India) and New Habarana (Sri Lanka).
  • Failure to establish a High Voltage Direct Current overhead link, contributing to Sri Lanka’s power cuts in 2022.

INDIA – SRI- LANKA RELATIONS

Historical Ties:

India and Sri Lanka share a history of cultural, economic, and political connections spanning over 2,500 years.

  • Buddhism: Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka’s son Mahinda, fostering a strong cultural and religious bond.
  • Chola Dynasty Influence: In the 10th century CE, the Chola dynasty from South India conquered Sri Lanka, leaving a lasting impact on its art, architecture, and language.
  • Post-Independence Era: India and Sri Lanka gained independence in 1947 and 1948, respectively. India played a crucial role in assisting Sri Lanka in establishing Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions.
  • LTTE and Conflict:
  • The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged in 1976, leading to armed conflict with Sri Lankan armed forces from 1983 to 2009.
  • In 1987, India and Sri Lanka signed the India-Sri Lanka Agreement, implementing the 13th amendment and deploying the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).
  • Shift in India’s Attitude: The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 altered India’s stance on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

Areas of Cooperation Between India- Sri Lanka:

Economic Cooperation:

  • India and Sri Lanka foster economic ties through the ISFTA since 2000.
  • They stand as significant trade partners within SAARC, with Sri Lanka being India’s largest globally.

Cultural Relations:

  • The 2600th year of Buddha’s enlightenment marks a shared cultural milestone.
  • Cultural Cooperation Agreement (1977) facilitates exchanges and the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo promotes Indian arts.

Development Cooperation:

  • India commits close to US$ 3 billion for Sri Lanka’s development.
  • Projects like the Indian Housing Project, power initiatives, and community projects showcase robust collaboration.

 

Defence and Security Cooperation

  • Indo-Sri Lankan Defence Dialogue is in force since 2012 which reviews joint security efforts.
  • Joint Military (Mitra Shakti) and Naval exercises (SLINEX) strengthens defence ties.

 

  • Infrastructure Development:
  • Recent agreements in 2022 focus on hybrid power projects and ongoing port development.
  • Kankesanthurai and Trincomalee ports witness collaborative efforts in infrastructure.

 

  • Multilateral Cooperation
  • Both nations actively engage in SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, and global organizations.
  • Joint participation in international bodies like the UN, WTO, WHO, IMF, and World Bank underscores their multilateral commitment.

Significance of Sri-Lanka to India:

  • Strategic Location: Sri Lanka’s position in the Indian Ocean is strategically vital for India’s security interests.
  • Military Significance: Sri Lanka holds military importance for India’s navy, influencing fleet movements between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
  • Economic Ties: India is a key trading partner for Sri Lanka, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching USD $3.6 billion in 2020.
  • Geopolitical Importance: Sri Lanka’s location is crucial for India’s Indian Ocean strategy and collaborations within the Indian Ocean Rim Community.
  • China’s Presence: India expresses concerns about China’s increasing influence in Sri Lanka, particularly through port investments with potential military implications.

Current Developments :

  • Sustaining Momentum:
  • Recent developments, such as the resumption of air services and joint ventures in the dairy sector, should be sustained and improved upon.
  • The launch of passenger ferry services further enhances connectivity.
  • Bilateral Economic Ties:
  • India remains the largest source of imports for Sri Lanka, accounting for approximately 26% of total imports.
  • Tourism, a major revenue source for Sri Lanka, sees India as the largest single country of tourist arrivals.

Challenges in India-Sri Lanka Ties:

Strategic Issues:

  • Tensions arise due to China’s increased presence in Sri Lanka, notably with the construction of Colombo and Hambantota ports under the Maritime Silk Route policy.
  • Collaboration in satellite launching activities with Supreme SAT adds to strategic concerns.

Geographical Issue:

  • Katchatheevu Island has been a bone of contention between the two countries.
  • While India acknowledges Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over Katchatheevu under a 1974 pact, Tamil Nadu claims it falls under Indian territory.

Political Instability issue:

  • Anti-Indian sentiments in Sri Lanka produce resistance to growth in cooperation.
  • Frequent changes in Sri Lanka’s government and leadership lead to political instability.
  • This instability hampers effective engagement with India and the implementation of policies for economic cooperation and regional stability.

Cultural Issue:

  • Colombo’s lack of commitment towards Tamilian Interest raises concerns.
  • India seeks fulfilment of Tamil people’s expectations for equality, justice, and devolution of powers under the 13th amendment.

Economic Issue:

  • The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement dates back to December 1998.
  • Despite talks on expanding economic and technology cooperation, progress has been slow.

Fisherman Problem:

  • Ongoing conflicts stem from illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters across the Palk Strait.
  • Regular arrests occur for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Way Forward:

  • The signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is crucial for enhancing economic cooperation.
  • Despite challenges, Sri Lanka, with its history of smooth power transitions, should focus on improving economic ties with India.
  • Enhancing trade relations and infrastructure connectivity can contribute to a stable and prosperous economy.
  • Both nations should collaboratively seek a lasting resolution to the fishermen issue through bilateral discussions.
  • Strengthening traditional and cultural ties is vital for fostering improved relations between India and Sri Lanka.
  • Initiating ferry services can enhance people-to-people connections. 
  • Recognizing and respecting each other’s concerns and interests holds the key to enhancing the overall relationship between the two countries.

Despite historical challenges and slow progress in certain areas, sustained commitment from both nations can lead to a mutually beneficial economic relationship. Sri Lanka’s recent initiatives should be a foundation for further collaboration, emphasizing the need to unlock the full economic potential between these two neighbouring countries.

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/bridge-this-deficit-between-india-and-sri-lanka/article67619246.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question:

Critically examine the potential and challenges of bridging the existing issues between India and Sri Lanka. Recommend concrete measures to address these challenges.