Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

The relationship between India and Sri Lanka rests on deep historical and civilisational ties, shared Buddhist heritage, centuries-old trade and cultural links, and close linguistic and ethnic connections, especially between Tamil Nadu and Northern Sri Lanka.

• In recent decades however, their partnership has evolved into a strategic, economic and security-oriented engagement, reflecting Sri Lanka’s location near critical sea-lanes and India’s interest in maintaining regional stability in the Indian Ocean.

Major Challenges Affecting India–Sri Lanka Relations:

• Fishermen Dispute: The Katchatheevu Island dispute persists, with Indian fishermen allowed only limited access for non-fishing activities despite sovereignty resting with Sri Lanka.
  • Over 500 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan authorities in 2024 alone for alleged fishing violations in Sri Lankan waters.
  • Bottom trawling by Indian mechanised fleets damages coral reefs and shrimp habitats in Palk Bay, banned in Sri Lanka since 2017.
• Chinese Strategic Influence: China’s control over Hambantota Port, under a 99-year lease since 2017, symbolizes deepening Chinese presence in Sri Lanka’s strategic maritime space, causing Indian security concerns about China’s military intentions.
• Domestic Political Instability in Sri Lanka: Frequent changes in Sri Lankan leadership since the 2022 economic crisis create uncertainties in policy continuity, affecting bilateral projects such as port development, connectivity initiatives, and energy cooperation.
• 13th Amendment and Tamil Ethnic Issue: Slow and partial implementation of the 13th Amendment post-civil war restricts meaningful devolution of power to the Tamil-majority Northern and Eastern provinces.
• Trade Imbalance and Economic Cooperation: India’s merchandise exports to Sri Lanka stood at USD 4.11 billion in FY 2023-24, while Sri Lankan exports to India were USD 1.42 billion, contributing to domestic criticism in Sri Lanka regarding trade deficits.
• Maritime Border Security and Smuggling: Porous maritime boundaries facilitate narcotics trafficking, unauthorised immigration, and illegal smuggling activities, posing security threats.

Measures to Strengthen Mutual Trust:

• Institutionalise Sustainable Fisheries Cooperation: India should establish a robust bilateral fisheries management mechanism with Sri Lanka, incorporating joint patrolling, regulated shared fishing zones, and fisherfolk livelihood support.
• Counterbalance External Influence through Strategic Defence Partnership: Building on the landmark 5-year Defence MoU signed in 2025, India must enhance joint maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and capacity building in Sri Lanka’s navy to safeguard regional security.
• Accelerate Political and Ethnic Reconciliation Support: India should support the full, genuine implementation of Sri Lanka’s 13th Amendment through diplomatic channels and back multi-stakeholder reconciliation forums.
• Revitalise Trade and Investment Frameworks: India should expedite finalization of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) talks with Sri Lanka, ensuring equitable access and addressing Sri Lankan concerns over trade imbalances through phased liberalization and safeguards.
• Support Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery and Infrastructure Development : India must continue robust development cooperation with concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance in ongoing projects like the Indian Housing Project and renewable energy initiatives.
• Expand Capacity Building and Digital Governance Collaboration : Leveraging India’s success with digital public infrastructure, India should accelerate support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project and Digital Public Infrastructure rollout.
• Promote People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges: India should intensify cultural diplomacy, supporting the restoration of heritage sites and enhancing tourism promotion, given that India is Sri Lanka’s largest tourist market.

Conclusion:

As scholar Joseph Nye noted, “Soft power is not coercion but attraction, persuasion, and appeal.” India’s engagement with Sri Lanka exemplifies this principle through a blend of diplomacy, development assistance, and cultural partnership. Going forward, India must strengthen cooperation in areas such as sustainable fisheries management, economic integration, and regional security, while promoting ethnic reconciliation and people-to-people connections.