India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Historical Partnership

Context

India and Sri Lanka share a unique relationship that spans over 2,500 years, rooted in deep cultural, historical, and religious ties. As closest neighbors separated by the Palk Strait, their partnership has evolved through shared heritage, trade, and political cooperation. This enduring relationship has been shaped by mutual interests and challenges, making it a significant aspect of South Asian geopolitics.

Historical and Cultural Ties

• Ancient Ties: The connection between India and Sri Lanka can be traced back to Emperor Ashoka’s time. Buddhism, which was born in India, found its way to Sri Lanka with Ashoka’s patronage and laid the foundations of common religious and cultural links through intellectual, linguistic, and artistic exchange. 
• Common Heritage: The cultural traditions of both nations, such as dance forms, food, and festivals, are commonly shared. Many Sri Lankans claim Indian origin that stands as a testimony to centuries of migration and acculturation.

Economic Relations

• India is the biggest trading partner of Sri Lanka. Bilateral trade deals with products such as textiles, agricultural items, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. 
• The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) has boosted much economic cooperation. India was a prominent player in Sri Lanka’s development to date with projects in infrastructure, education, and health care, in addition to housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 
• India’s recent financial help during the 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka played a significant role over the last year to stabilize the tiny island nation’s economy.

Political Cooperation

• High-level political visits have fostered mutual understanding on international issues. Both nations are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and have collaborated on regional platforms like SAARC.
• During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), India intervened diplomatically and militarily. The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987 proposed devolution of power to Tamil-majority provinces through the Thirteenth Amendment. However, India’s peacekeeping efforts under Operation Pawan faced challenges and led to strained relations.

Security Collaboration

• Maritime Security: Given their strategic positions in the Indian Ocean region, India and Sri Lanka have worked together to ensure maritime security. Both countries aim to prevent external powers from exploiting regional vulnerabilities.
• Counterterrorism Efforts: India supported Sri Lanka during its fight against LTTE terrorism while emphasizing the protection of civilian rights. This cooperation continues in combating modern security threats.

Challenges in Bilateral Relations

• Ethnic Conflict and Tamil Issue: The Tamil ethnic conflict has been a sensitive issue for both nations. While India advocates for reconciliation through political solutions like the Thirteenth Amendment, Tamil Nadu’s pro-LTTE sentiments have occasionally influenced Indian policy.
• Human Rights Concerns: India faced criticism for voting against Sri Lanka at UNHRC resolutions investigating alleged human rights violations during the civil war. These votes strained bilateral ties but highlighted India’s commitment to humanitarian values.
• Fishing Disputes: Frequent clashes between Indian fishermen and Sri Lankan authorities over fishing rights remain a contentious issue. Both sides are working on solutions to address this problem.

Recent Developments

• Economic Aid and Debt Restructuring: India provided $4 billion in aid during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis in 2022. It also supported debt restructuring efforts with the IMF to help stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy.
• Infrastructure Projects: India is involved in developing key infrastructure projects such as railways, ports, and energy initiatives in Sri Lanka. These projects aim to strengthen connectivity and economic integration.

Conclusion

India-Sri Lanka relations exemplify a partnership built on shared history and mutual interests. Despite challenges like ethnic conflicts and fishing disputes, both nations continue to deepen their cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and security domains. Strengthening this relationship is vital not only for regional stability but also for fostering peace and prosperity in South Asia.

Source: newsx.com

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding India–Sri Lanka relations:

1. Historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka have been reinforced by ancient trade routes and the spread of Buddhism from India to Sri Lanka.
2. India–Sri Lanka relations have been largely insulated from regional security concerns and external geopolitical influences.
3. Contemporary challenges, including maritime security issues and the legacy of Sri Lanka’s internal conflicts, continue to shape bilateral relations. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- C

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