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Why in the News?

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is considering India’s request to not allow Chinese Survey and Research Vessel.

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia is marked by intricate relationships, with India, China, and Sri Lanka at the center of this web. Its important to understand proximity of China-Sri Lanka ties, China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, India’s concerns regarding Sri Lanka, and strategies for India to strengthen its relations with its southern neighbor.

How Close Are China-Sri Lanka Ties?

China’s efforts to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka have been a matter of concern for India and neighboring countries. Several factors illustrate the growing proximity between China and Sri Lanka:

Economic Partnership

• China has been a major source of investment in Sri Lanka, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Projects such as the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City have deepened economic ties, but have also raised questions about Sri Lanka’s growing debt burden.
• China’s loans to Sri Lanka’s public sector constitute a substantial 15% of the central government’s external debt, highlighting the depth of their financial engagement.
• China has infused approximately USD 12 billion into Sri Lanka’s infrastructure projects during the period spanning 2006 to 2019.

Military Cooperation

• Sri Lanka has increasingly engaged with China in terms of military cooperation. This has raised eyebrows in India, as it seeks to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

Cultural Exchanges

• Cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy have been on the rise between China and Sri Lanka, further strengthening the relationship.

China’s Pursuit in the Indian Ocean

China’s pursuit of a stronger presence in the Indian Ocean is a source of concern for India and other regional powers:

String of Pearls Strategy

• China’s “String of Pearls” strategy involves establishing a network of military and commercial facilities in the Indian Ocean region.
• This includes ports in countries such as Pakistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Such developments raise questions about the ultimate intentions behind these endeavors.

Energy Security

• China’s energy security is heavily reliant on the safe passage of oil and gas through the Indian Ocean. This underscores the strategic importance of the region and the need to maintain a presence there.

Geopolitical Influence

• The Indian Ocean region is vital for China’s quest for geopolitical influence. It allows China to project power beyond its immediate neighborhood, which is a source of concern for India.
• China faces opposition from Taiwan, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East Asia, and myriad frictions with the US and Australia.

India’s Concerns with Sri Lanka with China around

India’s concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s relations with China revolve around its immediate security interests and regional stability:

National Security

• India is concerned about the possibility of Sri Lankan ports being used for military purposes by foreign powers, potentially compromising its national security.
• Sri Lanka has decided to establish a Special Economic Zone around the Colombo port city and a new economic commission, to be funded by China.
• The proposed Indian Ocean island countries forum is in opposition to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.

Regional Stability

• India wishes to maintain stability in its immediate neighborhood. Sri Lanka’s growing closeness to China may disrupt the regional balance of power.
• Economic crisis and internal turmoil is not good for both the countries

Influence over Sri Lanka

• India traditionally holds a position of influence in Sri Lanka due to shared historical, cultural, and geographical ties. The shift in Sri Lanka’s alliances challenges India’s role in the region.
• Other South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives have also been turning to China to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.

Other Challenges in India-Sri Lanka Relations

• Fisheries Dispute: Ongoing conflicts over fishing rights in the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, with Indian fishermen often detained by Sri Lankan authorities, have strained relations and led to tensions.
• Border Security and Smuggling: The porous maritime boundary raises concerns about border security and illegal activities, including the smuggling of goods, narcotics, and illegal immigrants between the two nations.
• Tamil Ethnic Issue: The complex ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, particularly concerning the Tamil minority, remains a sensitive topic in India-Sri Lanka relations. India has historical concerns regarding the welfare and rights of the Tamil community.

Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Strategic Approach

To navigate the complex dynamics of India’s relations with Sri Lanka and counterbalance China’s influence, India can adopt a multifaceted strategy:

Economic Cooperation

• Promote economic engagement through joint projects, trade agreements, and investments that are mutually beneficial. Encourage Sri Lanka to diversify its economic partnerships, reducing dependence on a single nation.

Security Partnerships

• Deepen security partnerships with Sri Lanka by providing training, equipment, and intelligence-sharing. Enhance Sri Lanka’s security capabilities to address India’s national security concerns effectively.

People-to-People Diplomacy

• Foster cultural exchanges and educational opportunities to strengthen historical and cultural ties between the two nations. This approach builds goodwill and reinforces the foundation of their relations.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution

• Actively engage in facilitating peaceful resolutions to Sri Lanka’s internal issues. India can play a crucial role in conflict resolution, contributing to regional stability.

Multilateral Engagement

• Collaborate with regional and global partners in forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to address concerns related to the Indian Ocean region collectively. Such collective efforts can enhance India’s influence and address common challenges.

Capacity Building

• Offer technical assistance and capacity building to Sri Lanka in areas like infrastructure development, trade, and disaster management. This not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also bolsters Sri Lanka’s overall development.

Way Forward

• Prioritize Neighborhood First Policy: Strengthen ties with Sri Lanka as a close neighbor, emphasizing shared history, culture, and economic interests.
• Focus on Development Assistance: Provide financial and technical assistance for infrastructure projects, capacity building, and humanitarian aid.
• Respect Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty: Engage with Sri Lanka in a manner that respects its sovereignty and avoids any perception of interference.
• Help during crisis: India help during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and covid crisis will improve relation and trust between nations.
• China Angle: To ensure Sri Lanka understand about debt trap policy of china and a balanced approach is adopted.

In conclusion, the intricate geopolitical landscape of South Asia, particularly the trilateral relationship between India, China, and Sri Lanka, demands a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play. China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka poses challenges for India, but also presents opportunities for strategic engagement.

Sources: Hindustan Times

Mains Question

“How should India navigate and strengthen its relations with Sri Lanka in light of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region and the changing dynamics of South Asia?”