Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, currently on a three-day visit to India, made a strong pledge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring that its territory will never be used to threaten India’s security. The statement, made in a joint press briefing, highlights the ongoing strengthening of ties between the two nations, particularly in the context of growing concerns over China’s influence in the region.
Disanayaka’s assurance comes amid rising tensions regarding China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. One of the major flashpoints has been the Chinese takeover of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, which was leased to China as part of an effort to repay Sri Lanka’s mounting debts. The presence of Chinese naval surveillance ships in the region, especially the Yuan Wang 5, has raised alarms in New Delhi, fearing it could be used for military purposes in the strategically sensitive waters.
In his statement, President Disanayaka emphasized that the cooperation between India and Sri Lanka would continue to flourish, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s support for India. “We will not let anyone use Sri Lanka’s territory to threaten India’s security,” Disanayaka said, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The assurance is seen as a significant step in the wake of growing concerns over China’s “Mission Indian Ocean,” which many believe is an attempt to expand its military and economic footprint in the region. China’s naval presence, including vessels like the Yuan Wang 5, has been a particular source of concern for India, as Sri Lanka is located close to key maritime trade routes.
India has repeatedly expressed its concerns about China’s military activities near its shores, with particular attention paid to the Chinese ships docking at Hambantota, a port leased to China for 99 years under a controversial agreement. Despite initial pushback from Sri Lanka, the Chinese vessel was allowed to dock in August 2022, escalating tensions between New Delhi and Colombo.
In response to these concerns, India has been working to expand its defense and economic partnerships with Sri Lanka. The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayaka earlier in the day included topics such as border security and the increasing Chinese presence in the Pacific region. Additionally, both leaders agreed to enhance connectivity between the two countries, with plans to establish electricity grid connectivity and a multi-product petroleum pipeline, which will strengthen economic and commercial ties.
Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, has seen political turmoil and instability in recent years. The crisis led to the rise of Disanayaka’s party, marking a new phase in Sri Lanka’s governance. The economic situation has forced the nation to seek greater cooperation with India to stabilize its economy and rebuild its infrastructure.
As Sri Lanka emerges from its crisis, the reaffirmation of its commitment to India’s security serves as a vital sign of the growing diplomatic and defense cooperation between the two neighbors, especially as both countries navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics and global challenges.
Sources By Agencies
