India-Sri Lanka Relations: Significance & Key Issues

Context (TH): India and Sri Lanka outlined a futuristic vision for deeper cooperation during talks between Indian PM and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi.

Key Agreements

Defence Pact Finalisation: Agreement to finalise a defence pact to strengthen security collaboration.
Hydrography Cooperation: Collaboration on hydrography for safer navigation and maritime security.
Energy Connectivity: Establishment of cross-border electricity grids and multi-product petroleum pipelines for stable energy supplies.
LNG Supply: India to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lankan power plants to promote clean energy.
Investment-led Growth: Emphasis on investments in infrastructure, tech & industry as growth drivers.
Ferry Service Launched: Between Rameshwaram & Talaimannar to enhance trade & cultural ties.
Connectivity: Physical, digital & energy connectivity are identified as pillars of economic cooperation.
Cultural Cooperation: Development of Jaffna Cultural Center under Indian assistance.

India-Sri Lanka Relations

Historical Ties

Cultural and Religious Connections: Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka’s son, Mahinda, in the 3rd century BCE. Strong historical ties through trade and cultural exchanges.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Relations: India and Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1947 and 1948, respectively. India played a key role in helping Sri Lanka establish its democratic institutions.
Tamil Conflict: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formed in 1976; involved in an armed conflict.
The India-Sri Lanka Agreement (1987) led to the involvement of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).

Significance of India-Sri Lanka Relations

Regional Development: India’s growth is linked with its neighbouring nations, and Sri Lanka aims to enhance its development by integrating with South Asia.
Reaffirmation of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.
Strategic Location: Positioned near India’s southern coast across the Palk Strait, crucial for controlling major shipping lanes.
Economic Integration & Tourism: Enhancement of digital payment systems (e.g., UPI) promotes economic integration and eases business transactions.

Key Issues in India-Sri Lanka Relations

Tamil Ethnic Issue: India’s concern over the welfare and rights of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, particularly the implementation of the 13th Amendment.
China’s Influence: India’s concerns over China’s investments in Sri Lanka, such as the Hambantota Port.
Fisheries Dispute: Frequent diplomatic tussles over illegal fishing and arrests of fishermen.
Katchatheevu Island Dispute: Dispute over ownership and usage rights, affecting fishing activities.
Border Security and Smuggling: Porous maritime boundary leading to issues of border security and smuggling, including narcotics and illegal immigrants.
Implementation Delays: The timely execution of energy and infrastructure projects is hindered by bureaucratic hurdles and geopolitical pressures.

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

Way Forward

Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms: Expedite the defence pact finalisation and establish joint task forces to oversee energy and connectivity projects for timely execution.
Promoting Inclusive Growth: Focus on equitable development across all 25 Sri Lankan districts and advocate for inclusive governance to address Tamil aspirations and ensure ethnic harmony.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity: Leverage the ferry service to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties, and develop regional economic corridors for seamless goods and services movement.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Support the establishment of a commission to address the civil war legacy and promote healing for the Tamil community.
Joint Maritime Patrols and Training: Enhance cooperation on maritime security by conducting joint patrols and training programs. E.g. Indo-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise “SLINEX“.
People-to-People Ties: Promote cultural exchange programs and tourism to foster closer ties between the citizens of both countries. E.g. “Buddhist Circuit” tourism initiative.
Joint Infrastructure Projects: Invest in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, ensuring smooth progress from planning to execution. E.g. Colombo Port.
Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) Implementation: Work towards swift and smooth implementation of the ETCA to reduce trade barriers and boost bilateral trade.
Student Exchange Programs and Skill Development Initiatives: Establish scholarship programs for Sri Lankan students and collaborate on skill development initiatives.
Investment in essential medicines production and other sectors to provide long-term solutions and counter China’s influence.