Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka over the weekend to strengthen ties between the two countries by signing a series of defense and energy agreements. Modi was welcomed by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who awarded him the “Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana”, the nation’s highest honor for a foreign leader. Modi’s visit is seen as a move to counter China’s growing influence in South Asia.
India and Sri Lanka have a strategic relationship, with beide countries committing to not let their territories compromise the security of the other. Modi stated their security interests are aligned and interdependent during the trip. Sri Lanka is a critical location being one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, and both India and China are trying to influence the strategically important country.
China’s influence has been growing through its substantial investments and the Belt and Road Initiative, which has raised concerns for India. New Delhi is wary of Chinese-run facilities, like the Hambantota port, and the frequent docking of Chinese research vessels in Sri Lankan waters.
Shanthie Mariet D’Souza from the Mantraya Institute for Strategic Studies notes that China’s policy attracts nations more effectively than India’s, highlighting the challenge India faces in the region. Despite India’s efforts to strengthen ties, Sri Lanka may continue to balance its relationship with both India and China as the latter remains its largest bilateral creditor. The Chinese financial support has been particularly crucial since Sri Lanka faced economic collapse in 2022. Both countries have negotiated terms for restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.
Sri Lanka is caught in a delicate situation, trying to maintain good relations with both India and China while managing the increasing presence of the Chinese military in the region. Wadhwa, a former diplomat, explains that India is working with other countries to monitor Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean and has its own development assistance programs for South Asian nations to maintain its regional presence.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/india-boosting-sri-lanka-ties-amid-growing-china-rivalry/a-72166420?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
