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

Diplomatic Cooperation

India and Sri Lanka have maintained strong diplomatic relations, highlighted by visits from high-level government officials. A significant diplomatic event was the Indian Prime Minister's address to the Sri Lankan parliament in 2015. The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, established in 1992, facilitates discussions on bilateral issues. In 2015, both countries signed a civilian nuclear energy agreement to explore nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Fishermen Issue

The fisherman dispute is a persistent issue between India and Sri Lanka. Recently, Indian fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. Both nations have signed an MOU to provide fishermen with equipment and nets to support peaceful trade. Sri Lanka has advocated against the use of large fishing trawlers to prevent overfishing.

Economic Cooperation

The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2010, has strengthened economic ties. India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign direct investment. Conversely, Sri Lanka is also a potential investor in India.

Defence and Security Cooperation

India and Sri Lanka have a longstanding security partnership, with increased military collaboration in recent years. They conduct joint military exercises (Mitra Shakti) and naval exercises (SLINEX), and India provides defense training to Sri Lankan forces. A trilateral maritime security cooperation agreement between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives enhances surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and maritime pollution control in the Indian Ocean.

Development Assistance

Following the end of the conflict between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE in 2009, India provided immediate war relief, including food and medicine. Long-term, India committed to reconstructing 50,000 houses for Internally Displaced People (IDP) and has provided substantial development credit for infrastructure, amounting to USD 1284 million as of 2016. India has also donated medical equipment and ambulances to Sri Lankan hospitals.

Cultural and Educational Cooperation

The 1977 cultural cooperation agreement between India and Sri Lanka led to the establishment of the India Sri Lanka Foundation in 1998, promoting technical, scientific, cultural, and educational exchanges. Tourism is a key area of cooperation, with Sri Lankan tourists among the top ten visitors to India. Additionally, Sri Lanka participates in India's Nalanda University project. The Indian government launched the e-Tourist Visa scheme for Sri Lankan tourists on April 14, 2015, to boost people-to-people connections.

Developments in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has made significant progress in the health sector, achieving malaria-free status despite being heavily affected by the disease at independence. The country's social development indicators, including literacy and health, are high.

Significance of the Relations

India shares cultural and security ties with South Asian countries, especially Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean has geopolitical relevance. As a key Asian nation with significant interests in South Asia, India has a responsibility to ensure regional peace and stability. India aims to shed its "big brother" image and support Sri Lanka’s reconstruction. The support of Sri Lanka is crucial for India’s ambitions to become a dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean and secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Additionally, Sri Lanka's location is valuable for both commercial and military purposes, particularly in light of China’s "string of pearls" strategy to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

Despite ongoing issues, India-Sri Lanka relations are progressing, with trade increasing significantly after the FTA's implementation in 2000. India’s plans to extend development assistance beyond defense are positive steps. It is hoped that ethnic and fishermen disputes will be resolved as relations improve.