Two representatives of India and China have made statements regarding their support for Sri Lanka. While Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised India’s assistance to Sri Lanka and called for the development of an extended neighbourhood in the Indian Ocean, China’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, emphasized their support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and economic development.
India has extended a credit facility of USD 1 billion to Sri Lanka at the country’s request. However, there are concerns over some of the large Indian investment projects, such as seaports, oil tank farms, and energy projects in the Palk Strait, which could affect Sri Lanka’s national security.
While India has traditionally emphasized friendship with its neighbours, some suggest that India’s assistance to Sri Lanka came only under the Modi government. Moreover, many Indian opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Modi’s government of attacking constitutional and democratic practices and dividing the country on religious and caste lines.
Despite such controversies, Modi’s government intends to develop an extended neighbourhood with islands in the Indian Ocean, nations in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, and Gulf countries. However, it remains to be seen how this will apply to South Asian countries that have had long-standing contentious relationships with India, such as Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
In conclusion, while India’s and China’s statements may appear positive, there are concerns over the potential impact of large investment projects on Sri Lanka’s national security. Moreover, there are questions over the Indian government’s policies and actions, which some have criticized as attacking constitutional and democratic practices and dividing the country on religious and caste lines.
