Why in News?

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on his first bilateral visit to India, assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sri Lankan territory will not be used in ways detrimental to Indian interests.

Both leaders emphasised strengthening cooperation in defence, economic development, and regional security.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• A Brief About Bilateral Ties
• Key Highlights of Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India
• Conclusion

A Brief About Bilateral Ties:

• Historical ties: Relations date back to ancient times with strong cultural and religious ties, particularly Buddhism, which originated in India. Many Sri Lankans trace their ancestry to India.
• Key areas of cooperation:
  • Trade and economic bonds:
    • India is Sri Lanka’s third-largest export destination, with over 60% of exports benefiting from the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.
    • FDI from India amounted to USD 1.7 billion (2005-2019).
  • Energy cooperation: A multi-product petroleum pipeline is planned from southern India to Sri Lanka to ensure affordable and reliable energy supplies.
  • Defence and security: Regular military (Mitra Shakti) and naval (SLINEX) exercises are conducted. Sri Lanka is part of BIMSTEC and SAARC, where India plays a significant role.
  • People-to-People ties: India was the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka in 2022, with over 100,000 visitors. Enhancing digital payments will facilitate easier business and tourism exchanges.
• Significance of India-Sri Lanka relations:
  • Geopolitical importance: Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean at the crossroads of major shipping lanes makes it vital for India’s trade and security interests.
  • Regional development: Sri Lanka’s integration with the Southern economy aligns with India’s regional growth vision.
  • Ease of business and connectivity: Digital platforms like UPI and fintech integration simplify trade and tourism, strengthening economic ties.
• Challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations:
  • Fisheries dispute: Indian fishermen often cross into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests and tensions.
  • Katchatheevu Island dispute: The 1974 agreement recognised Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory but allowed Indian fishermen to access surrounding waters. A 1976 pact restricted these rights, creating friction.
  • Border security: The porous maritime border enables smuggling of narcotics and illegal immigration.
  • Tamil ethnic issue: India remains concerned about the Tamil minority’s rights in Sri Lanka, with historical sensitivities tied to the ethnic conflict.
  • China’s influence: Increasing Chinese investments (e.g., Hambantota port, Colombo port projects) raise concerns about regional strategic imbalances.

Key Highlights of Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India:

• Security cooperation:
  • Mutual security commitments:
    • President Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lanka’s territory will not harm Indian interests.
    • Both leaders stressed interconnected security interests and agreed to finalise a defence cooperation agreement, and emphasised a safe, secure, and free Indian Ocean Region while countering traditional and non-traditional threats.
  • Defence collaboration: Key measures -
    • Exploring a framework agreement on defence cooperation.
    • Augmenting Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities via defence platforms and joint exercises.
    • Enhancing maritime surveillance, defence training, and dialogues.
    • The Colombo Security Conclave will focus on maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
• Addressing Tamil minority issues:
• Modi highlighted the need for reconciliation and reconstruction for Tamil minorities.
• He expressed hope for full implementation of Sri Lanka’s Constitution and the holding of provincial council elections.
• Notably, the 13th Amendment and war crime investigations were not discussed in the joint statement.
• Dissanayake emphasised unity, social protection, and sustainable development.
• Fishermen issues:
  • Both sides discussed the livelihood challenges of fishermen.
  • Agreement:
    • Adopt a humanitarian approach to address disputes.
    • Avoid aggressive behavior and focus on a long-term solution.
    • Leaders instructed officials to continue dialogue for resolution.
• Economic and energy cooperation:
  • Investment-led growth: Modi emphasised a futuristic vision for economic growth with a focus on investment-led development and enhanced connectivity (physical, digital, and energy).
  • Key initiatives:
    • India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (worth US$ 5 billion).
    • Boosting energy ties through:
      • Electricity grid connectivity.
      • Multi-product petroleum pipelines.
      • Solar power projects in Sampur.
      • LNG supply to Sri Lanka’s power plants.
      • Trilateral cooperation among India, Sri Lanka, and UAE for a petroleum pipeline.
    • Digital transformation: Plans to expedite -
      • Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project.
      • Adoption of UPI digital payments.
      • Integration of platforms like Aadhaar, GeM, PM Gati Shakti, and DigiLocker.
• Connectivity and tourism: Launch of a ferry service between Rameshwaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka). Promotion of Ramayana and Buddhist circuits to boost tourism.
• Capacity building and scholarships: India announced -
  • Rehabilitation of Sri Lanka’s railway signalling system.
  • Scholarships for Sri Lankan university students.
  • Training for 1,500 civil servants over five years.
• Diplomatic engagements and agreements: Sri Lanka and India signed pacts on -
  • Avoidance of double taxation.
  • Capacity building and training.
  • Dissanayake invited PM Modi for a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka.

Conclusion:

• President Dissanayake’s visit reinforced the strong bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, emphasising shared security interests, economic cooperation, and inclusive development.
• Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing key challenges while building a prosperous future for both nations.