India–Sri Lanka Relations: India’s VP’s Visit

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations

Context

• India’s Vice-President announced a policy shift regarding the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, alongside discussions on bilateral cooperation, economic assistance, and the fishermen issue during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights of Vice-President’s Visit to Sri Lanka

• OCI Extension & Diaspora Engagement: Eligibility extended up to the 6th generation of Indian-origin Tamils.
  • Diaspora as a ‘Bridge’: It boosts diaspora diplomacy and cultural ties, enhances access to education, employment, and mobility in India.
• Welfare & Socio-Economic Initiatives: Increased support under Ceylon Estate Workers’ Education Trust, aimed at improving social mobility of Indian-origin Tamils;
  • 145 houses handed over under Phase III of Indian Housing Project.
• Development Cooperation & MoUs: Projects under post-Cyclone Ditwah assistance programme; and construction of medical infrastructure (Mullaitheevu hospital).
  • India as a ‘first responder’ and development partner; strengthening presence in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
• Focus on Neighbourhood First Policy: Sri Lanka acknowledged India’s role in economic crisis (2022) support, and disaster relief assistance.
  • It enhances India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India–Sri Lanka Relations

• Historical Evolution:
  • Ancient & Medieval Period: Shared Buddhist heritage (Ashoka’s missions to Sri Lanka). Strong cultural, linguistic, and trade linkages.
  • Colonial & Post-Independence Phase: Migration of Indian-origin Tamils during British rule. Agreements like Sirima–Shastri Pact (1964) for citizenship issue resolution.
• Post-1980s Phase: Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and India’s involvement:
  • Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987)
  • Deployment of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)
• 21st Century: Shift towards economic cooperation, connectivity, and development partnership.
  • Increasing strategic importance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Present Status of Relations

• Political Relations: Frequent high-level visits and institutional dialogues.
• Economic Ties: Bilateral trade, about USD 5.5 billion (2023–24); India is among Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners and investors.
• Development Cooperation: India’s assistance of more than USD 7 billion (credit lines and grants)
• Connectivity: Ferry services, air links, digital payments (UPI), energy connectivity.

Key Areas of Cooperation & Common Interests

• Economic & Trade Cooperation: Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) operational since 2000.
  • Ongoing negotiations on Economic & Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).
• Development Partnership: Major projects like 60,000 houses for Tamils; railways, hospitals, renewable energy, focusing on people-centric development.
• Connectivity: Maritime, air, digital, and energy connectivity; and proposed power grid interconnection, and multi-product pipeline.
• Defence & Security: Joint exercises ie SLINEX (Navy), and Mitra Shakti (Army).
  • Cooperation in maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
  • Colombo Security Conclave as a regional platform.
• Cultural & Educational Ties: Buddhist linkages and cultural exchanges; and scholarships, training (ITEC), and capacity building.
• Maritime & Regional Interests: Shared interest in Indian Ocean security, freedom of navigation, and disaster response

Related Concerns & Issues

• Fishermen Dispute: Frequent arrests due to Palk Strait boundary issues; and ecological concerns (bottom trawling).
• Tamil Issue: Political reconciliation and 13th Amendment implementation remain sensitive.
• Strategic Concerns: Growing Chinese presence in Sri Lanka (e.g., Hambantota Port); and strategic competition in IOR.
• Economic Vulnerabilities: Sri Lanka’s debt crisis impacts bilateral stability.
• Trade Imbalance: India enjoys trade surplus, raising concerns in Sri Lanka.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Economic Integration: Early conclusion of ETCA, and promote investment in infrastructure and energy.
• Resolving Fishermen Issue: Shift to deep-sea fishing; and institutionalised bilateral mechanisms.
• Enhancing Connectivity: Fast-tracking of energy grid links, maritime & land connectivity projects.
• Strategic Cooperation: Expand maritime security collaboration, and strengthen Colombo Security Conclave.
• Addressing Tamil Concerns: Support inclusive political reconciliation, and continue development projects in Tamil-majority regions.
• Countering External Influence: Build trust-based partnerships, and offer sustainable alternatives to external investments.

Conclusion

• The recent visit by India’s VP underscores India’s multi-dimensional engagement with Sri Lanka, combining diaspora outreach, economic assistance, and strategic diplomacy.
• The OCI expansion is a notable step in strengthening people-to-people ties, while persistent issues like fisheries require balanced and humane solutions.

Source: IE