Source: The Hindu
As a special gesture, Sri Lanka freed at least 11 Indian fishermen the day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for a “humane approach” to settling the troubled fishermen’s issue.
They also talked about matters pertaining to the livelihood of fisherman. They decided that they ought to handle this situation in a humane manner.
A point of difficulty in the two countries’ relations has been the fishermen’s issue. In the Palk Strait, a short body of water dividing Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, there have been multiple reported instances of Sri Lankan naval personnel employing force against Indian fisherman.
Since these concerns eventually affect the livelihood of fishermen on both sides of Palk Bay, there was a focus on the necessity of taking a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperating on these issues.
Model Question:
India-Sri Lanka relations have witnessed fluctuations due to historical, ethnic, and strategic factors. Discuss the recent developments in bilateral ties and suggest measures to enhance the relationship.
Model Answer:
India and Sri Lanka share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties. However, their relationship has been shaped by a mix of cooperation and friction due to ethnic issues, geopolitical competition, and domestic politics in both countries.
In recent years, several key developments have influenced bilateral relations:
- Economic Assistance: Amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (2022), India extended nearly $4 billion in aid, including fuel, food, and credit lines, reflecting India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- Fishermen Issue: The recurring arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Palk Strait remain a contentious issue.
- Geostrategic Concerns: Sri Lanka’s growing engagement with China, especially through infrastructure projects like Hambantota Port, raises security concerns for India.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Initiatives such as Ramayana Circuit, Buddhist heritage promotion, and educational exchanges have helped strengthen people-to-people ties.
- Connectivity Projects: The announcement of power grid connectivity, energy cooperation, and the India-Sri Lanka ferry service (Nagai to Kankesanthurai) mark a shift towards greater regional integration.
Way Forward:
- Institutionalize Dialogue Mechanisms to resolve the fishermen issue and enhance trust.
- Promote joint infrastructure projects to counterbalance third-party influence.
- Strengthen economic integration through trade, tourism, and investment.
- Expand defence cooperation and maritime security, especially in the Indian Ocean.
- Foster inclusive diplomacy that respects Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and addresses Tamil concerns in the Northern Province.
India-Sri Lanka relations are vital for regional stability in the Indian Ocean. A calibrated approach that balances strategic interests with mutual respect and cooperation can help both nations move toward a more stable and beneficial partnership.
