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India-Sri Lanka Relations

Introduction

India-Sri Lanka relations are shaped by geographical proximity, shared cultural heritage, and mutual strategic interests. Located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is India’s immediate maritime neighbor. Over the years, the bilateral relationship has evolved through political, economic, and strategic dimensions. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the dynamics of India-Sri Lanka relations is critical to tackling questions related to regional geopolitics, neighborhood diplomacy, and international relations.

Historical Background

  1. Cultural and Religious Ties:

    • Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka during Emperor Ashoka’s reign (3rd century BCE). This cultural bridge continues to strengthen ties.
    • Tamil influence in Sri Lanka, particularly in the north and east, has historical roots dating back to the Chola dynasty.

  2. Colonial Period:

    • Both nations were under British colonial rule. Many Indian Tamils migrated to Sri Lanka during this period to work on tea plantations.
    • Shared experiences of colonialism laid the foundation for cooperation in the post-independence era.

  3. Post-Independence Relations:

    • India and Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties in 1948, the year of Sri Lanka’s independence.

Political Relations

  • Tamil Ethnic Issue:

    • The Tamil-Sinhalese conflict in Sri Lanka escalated into a civil war (1983–2009).
    • India intervened through the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987), which aimed to provide autonomy to Tamil-majority regions.
    • The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka but faced criticism for its inability to resolve the conflict.

  • Post-Civil War Engagement:

    • After the civil war ended in 2009, India supported Sri Lanka in its reconstruction efforts, particularly in Tamil-dominated northern regions.
    • India has consistently urged Sri Lanka to implement the 13th Amendment, ensuring devolution of power to Tamil regions.

  • Geopolitical Concerns:

    • Sri Lanka’s growing ties with China, particularly through infrastructure projects like the Hambantota Port, have raised security concerns for India.
    • India emphasizes a “Neighborhood First” policy to maintain its influence in Sri Lanka.

Economic Relations

  1. Trade:

    • Sri Lanka is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
    • The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), signed in 2000, boosted bilateral trade, with India being one of Sri Lanka’s largest import sources.

  2. Investments:

    • Indian companies have invested in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications in Sri Lanka.
    • Key Indian investments include the Colombo Port Terminal and renewable energy projects.

  3. Development Assistance:

    • India has provided significant aid for post-war reconstruction, including building houses, hospitals, and schools in northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
    • Humanitarian aid during crises like the 2004 tsunami and the 2022 economic crisis highlights India’s supportive role.

Strategic and Security Cooperation

  1. Maritime Security:

    • The Indian Ocean is a critical trade route, and Sri Lanka’s strategic location makes it vital for India’s maritime security.
    • Both nations cooperate through joint naval exercises like SLINEX and initiatives under the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

  2. Counterterrorism:

    • After the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, India enhanced intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism cooperation with Sri Lanka.

  3. China Factor:

    • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Sri Lanka, such as the Hambantota Port lease, pose strategic challenges to India.
    • India is countering Chinese influence by focusing on infrastructure development, cultural diplomacy, and regional partnerships.

Cultural Relations

  1. Buddhist Linkages:

    • India promotes Buddhist tourism through sites like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath.
    • The Buddha Relics Exposition and cultural exchanges strengthen historical ties.

  2. Education and People-to-People Ties:

    • India offers scholarships to Sri Lankan students under schemes like the India-Sri Lanka Scholarship Programme.
    • The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo fosters exchanges in art, music, and literature.

Major Issues in India-Sri Lanka Relations

  • Fishermen Issue:

    • Indian fishermen are accused of illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, leading to frequent arrests and tensions.
    • The issue persists despite agreements and joint working groups aimed at resolving it.

  • Tamil Rights:

    • The Tamil community in Sri Lanka continues to demand greater autonomy and justice for war crimes committed during the civil war.
    • India’s insistence on implementing the 13th Amendment is often met with resistance from the Sri Lankan government.

  • Economic Dependence on China:

    • Sri Lanka’s reliance on Chinese loans and infrastructure projects raises concerns for India about debt-trap diplomacy.

  • Political Instability:

    • Frequent changes in Sri Lankan leadership affect the consistency of bilateral relations.

Recent Developments

  • India’s Aid During Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis (2022):

    • India provided nearly $4 billion in assistance, including lines of credit for essential imports and fuel supplies.

  • Energy Cooperation:

    • India is investing in renewable energy projects in northern Sri Lanka, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and countering Chinese investments.

  • Infrastructure Projects:

    • India is involved in major projects like the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm and connectivity initiatives like the Jaffna-Colombo railway line.

Conclusion

India-Sri Lanka relations are a blend of shared history, economic interdependence, and strategic concerns. While challenges like the Tamil issue and Chinese influence persist, there are ample opportunities to strengthen this partnership. For UPSC aspirants, this relationship offers insights into neighborhood diplomacy, regional geopolitics, and India’s strategic vision. By addressing contentious issues and leveraging cultural and economic ties, India can ensure a mutually beneficial and stable relationship with Sri Lanka.

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