Sansad TV: Perspective- India-Sri Lanka Relations | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Important Areas and Examination

• A notable recent diplomatic event was when our Indian Prime Minister spoke to the Sri Lankan parliament in 2015.
• In 1992, the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was formed, allowing discussions about both countries' shared matters.
• In 2015, India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement about using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Fishing Disagreement

• A persistent issue is fishermen, and lately, Sri Lankan Navy caught Indian fishermen. Neighboring nations often face this fisherman conflict.
• To help fishermen work more peacefully, both nations agreed to provide equipment and necessities through an MOU.
• Sri Lanka believes big fishing trawlers harm fish yield and has a scientific stance against their use.

Economic Partnership

• In 2010, the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement was signed, making India Sri Lanka's main trade partner.
• Sri Lanka is a substantial source of foreign investment for India, just as India is a major foreign investor in Sri Lanka.

Defense and Safety Cooperation

• Colombo and New Delhi have a long history of cooperating on security. Lately, their military relationship has grown stronger.
• Joint military (‘Mitra Shakti’) and naval (SLINEX) exercises are held by India and Sri Lanka.
• India also trains Sri Lankan forces in defense.
• India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives signed a maritime security agreement to improve surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and lessen ocean pollution.

Helping with Progress

• The conflict between Sri Lanka's government and LTTE ended in 2009 after causing casualties and displacement.
• India promptly offered aid like food and medicine after the war.
• Long-term, India pledged to build 50,000 houses for Internally Displaced People (IDP).
• India provided significant development credit to Sri Lanka, especially for infrastructure.
• India also supplied medical gear and ambulances to Sri Lankan hospitals.

Cultural and Learning Partnership

• India and Sri Lanka's cultural cooperation started in 1977.
• The India Sri Lanka Foundation, established in 1998, supports technical, scientific, cultural, and educational collaboration through civil society groups.
• Tourism and education are key. Sri Lankan tourists are among the top visitors to India.
• Sri Lanka participates in India's Nalanda University project.
• Sri Lanka is home to various Indian-origin communities engaged in businesses.
• India introduced the e-Tourist Visa scheme for Sri Lankan travelers to promote people-to-people interaction.

Advancements in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka made strides in healthcare, eradicating malaria despite its initial prevalence.
• Social development indicators, including literacy and health, have improved significantly.

Significance of the Bond

• India and countries like Sri Lanka share cultural and security connections in South Asia.
• Sri Lanka's island location in the Indian Ocean is strategically vital to major powers.
• India, as a key Asian nation in South Asia, must ensure regional peace and stability.
• India should actively assist in rebuilding the war-affected Sri Lanka and shed any 'big brother' image.
• Sri Lanka's support is crucial for India's naval ambitions and a permanent UN Security Council seat.
• China's strategy seeks to encircle India through the "string of pearls" in the Indian Ocean.
• Sri Lanka's location serves commercial, industrial, and potential military purposes.

Conclusion

• Despite ongoing issues, India and Sri Lanka's relations in the Indian Ocean Region are progressing, boosted by trade after the FTA in 2000.
• India's efforts extend beyond defense assistance, a positive move.
• Hope remains for resolving ethnic and fishermen problems with improved relations.