Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka on October 4, 2024, holds significant implications for the future of Indo-Lankan relations. It was his first official visit after the National People’s Power (NPP) government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, took office following the September 21, 2024, elections. This visit carries not just diplomatic but also strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance, as it comes at a time when Sri Lanka is emerging from an economic crisis and looking to recalibrate its position in South Asia, particularly vis-à-vis India and China.
A High-Level Diplomatic Reaffirmation
During the visit, Jaishankar met President Dissanayake and conveyed a message of congratulations and support from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The significance of this visit is further amplified by the fact that Jaishankar is the first foreign dignitary to meet with the newly elected government. This reinforces India’s keen interest in maintaining a strong and stable relationship with its maritime neighbour, despite Sri Lanka’s political transition.
In his discussions with Dissanayake, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and strengthening bilateral ties. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement emphasizing that “Sri Lankan territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests,” underlining the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean region and India’s ongoing concerns regarding China’s influence in the area.
Economic Cooperation and Regional Stability
Economic cooperation was a central theme during Jaishankar’s visit, reflecting India’s longstanding role as a key development partner for Sri Lanka. India played an instrumental role in helping Sri Lanka weather its 2022 financial crisis by providing $4 billion in aid and collaborating with international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on debt restructuring. Jaishankar used the visit to highlight India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s stability, offering to accelerate agreements on bilateral cooperation and credit lines.
President Dissanayake recognized the essential role that Indian aid has played in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, expressing his appreciation and envisioning further collaboration. He also proposed the export of renewable energy to India as a means to reduce production costs and generate additional resources for Sri Lanka. This aligns with a key regional objective of creating sustainable energy frameworks, though it also touches on sensitive issues related to existing energy projects, such as those planned by India’s Adani Group in Sri Lanka’s north.
Geopolitical Sensitivities: The China Factor
Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in the Indian Ocean and its proximity to key international shipping routes has made it a focal point of geopolitical interest, particularly between India and China. China’s increasing presence in Sri Lanka, especially through infrastructure projects like the development of the Hambantota Port, has raised concerns in New Delhi. In recent years, Chinese research vessels have frequented Sri Lankan waters, leading to protests from India and the United States.
Under President Dissanayake, who has expressed concerns about certain foreign investments, including Chinese and Indian projects, the Sri Lankan government announced a moratorium on foreign research vessels earlier in 2024 to establish clearer guidelines. Dissanayake has also previously vowed to review all energy and connectivity projects involving Indian companies, particularly the controversial Adani Group wind power project. The status of these projects remains under consideration and will be addressed after the general elections in November 2024, leaving open questions about the future of Indian-led infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.
Security and Defense: Assuring India’s Interests
Security and defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka was a significant focus of Jaishankar’s visit. The Sri Lankan government assured that its territory would not be used in any manner detrimental to India’s security interests, an assurance that comes in the wake of heightened regional tensions and India’s concerns over Chinese influence in Sri Lanka.
India has long viewed Sri Lanka as a key partner in maintaining regional security, especially under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework. Given Sri Lanka’s proximity to India’s southern coast, ensuring that Sri Lankan territory remains free from external military influence is a priority for New Delhi. The visit reiterated the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation on regional security, with both sides recognizing that their interests are closely intertwined.
Political and Ethnic Reconciliation: The 13th Amendment
Another key issue addressed during the visit was the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which provides for the devolution of powers to provincial councils. This amendment was a result of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, designed to address ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. The amendment remains a contentious issue, with many Tamil groups calling for full implementation to ensure greater political autonomy.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance that the full and effective implementation of the 13th Amendment is crucial to ensuring peace, justice, and dignity for all communities in Sri Lanka, particularly the Tamil population. He also emphasized the need for holding Provincial Council elections, which have been delayed, to foster greater political inclusion and reconciliation. India’s advocacy for Tamil rights is an important element of its diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka, given the strong cultural and ethnic links between India’s Tamil population and the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
During his discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar pledged continued Indian support for Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development. India has already invested significantly in various sectors, with grants amounting to $570 million and development assistance commitments exceeding $3.5 billion. Among the key projects discussed was the modernization of the Kankesanthurai port, a strategic northern port that India has offered to develop with a grant of $61.5 million.
Jaishankar also proposed converting payments for seven completed projects under India’s Line of Credit program into grants, further underscoring India’s willingness to support Sri Lanka’s development initiatives.
In addition to infrastructure, India announced plans to donate 22 diesel locomotives to the Sri Lankan railway system, symbolizing India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and supporting critical public infrastructure in the island nation.
The Broader Geopolitical Context: India’s Regional Approach
Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo is part of India’s broader strategy to maintain strong ties with its neighbours amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. Sri Lanka’s importance to India extends beyond economic and cultural ties; it is also a key player in the Indian Ocean region, where India has sought to counterbalance Chinese influence. New Delhi’s concern about Chinese involvement in Sri Lankan infrastructure and energy projects is mirrored in its broader regional strategy, which includes efforts to stabilize relationships with other neighbours such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, where China has been increasing its presence.
Prospects for India-Sri Lanka Relations
- Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka was not just a ceremonial diplomatic gesture but a strategic move to cement India’s position as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s economic, security, and political future. The visit reinforced India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery from its economic crisis while also addressing crucial security concerns and fostering closer ties across multiple sectors. However, the visit also highlighted the challenges ahead, particularly regarding infrastructure projects that may face review by the Dissanayake administration.
With a general election on the horizon in Sri Lanka, much remains uncertain about the future of India-Sri Lanka relations, especially in the context of energy and connectivity projects. Nevertheless, India’s proactive engagement through this visit signals its determination to maintain strong bilateral ties and safeguard its interests in the Indian Ocean region.