India-Sri Lanka Relations:

Context: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met with the Sri Lankan President to discuss collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two nations.

Recent Developments in India-Sri Lanka Relations:

• Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC): India and Sri Lanka jointly launched the MRCC with a $6 million grant from India, as part of the broader framework under the Colombo Security Conclave.
• Model Village Housing Project: India virtually handed over homes constructed as part of this initiative.
• Energy Sector Collaboration: Discussions included plans for LNG supply, a new petroleum pipeline, and joint oil and gas exploration. Additionally, the Sampur Solar Power Plant’s construction was announced.
• Other Initiatives: Talks covered development projects in Trincomalee, expansion of the Kankesanthurai port, and enhancing Sri Lanka’s liquid milk and fertilizer production industries.
• IMF Debt Restructuring: India was the first to offer support for Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts.

Historical Connections:

• Cultural and Religious Bonds: Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE. There have been strong ties through trade and cultural exchanges over the centuries.
• Colonial and Post-Colonial Era: Both nations gained independence from British rule in the late 1940s, with India aiding Sri Lanka in building its democratic institutions.
• Tamil Conflict: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formed in 1976, leading to prolonged conflict. The India-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987 resulted in the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).

Importance of India-Sri Lanka Relations:

• Regional Development: India’s economic growth is interconnected with the development of its neighboring countries, while Sri Lanka seeks to boost its own growth through integration with South Asia.
• ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy: Reinforcement of India’s policy to prioritize relations with its immediate neighbors.
• Strategic Location: Sri Lanka’s proximity to India’s southern coast and its position along vital shipping lanes are crucial for regional security.
• Economic Integration and Tourism: Enhanced digital payment systems like UPI facilitate economic integration and simplify business transactions between the two countries.

Challenges in Bilateral Relations:

• Tamil Ethnic Issue: India’s concern for the rights and welfare of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.
• Chinese Influence: Concerns over China’s investments in Sri Lanka, such as the Hambantota Port, which India views with caution.
• Fisheries Conflict: Ongoing disputes over illegal fishing and the arrest of fishermen, leading to diplomatic tensions.
• Katchatheevu Island Dispute: The disagreement over the island’s ownership and usage rights affects local fishing activities.
• Border Security and Smuggling: The porous maritime boundary presents challenges related to security, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and illegal immigration.

Path Forward:

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Advocating for the establishment of a commission to address the legacy of the civil war and promote healing, especially for the Tamil community.
• Joint Maritime Security Efforts: Enhancing maritime security cooperation through joint patrols and training programs, such as the Indo-Sri Lanka naval exercise “SLINEX.”
• Strengthening People-to-People Ties: Promoting cultural exchange programs and tourism to foster closer connections, like the “Buddhist Circuit” tourism initiative.
• Joint Infrastructure Investments: Investing in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka to ensure seamless planning and execution, exemplified by the Colombo Port project.
• Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (ETCA): Working towards the efficient implementation of ETCA to reduce trade barriers and boost bilateral trade.
• Education and Skill Development: Establishing scholarship programs for Sri Lankan students and collaborating on skill development initiatives.
• Investments in Essential Sectors: Focusing on the production of essential medicines and other sectors to provide sustainable solutions and mitigate China’s influence.

The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, introduced in 1987 as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, sought to devolve powers to provincial councils, addressing Tamil demands for greater autonomy.