What is India-Sri Lanka Relations?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
India is a major development partner of Sri Lanka, providing assistance in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- 2.
Trade between India and Sri Lanka has been increasing, with a focus on diversifying the trade basket.
- 3.
India has invested significantly in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and tourism.
- 4.
The fisheries issue remains a sensitive topic, with frequent incidents of Indian fishermen being apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities.
- 5.
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections are promoted through various initiatives and programs.
- 6.
Both countries cooperate on counter-terrorism and maritime security, conducting joint exercises and sharing intelligence.
- 7.
The Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), signed in 1998, has boosted bilateral trade.
- 8.
India has supported reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka, particularly in addressing the grievances of the Tamil community.
- 9.
Sri Lanka is strategically important to India due to its location in the Indian Ocean.
- 10.
India provides training and capacity building programs for Sri Lankan professionals in various fields.
- 11.
The proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) aims to deepen economic ties further.
- 12.
India's 'Neighborhood First' policy prioritizes strong relations with Sri Lanka.
Visual Insights
Evolution of India-Sri Lanka Relations
Timeline showing key events in India-Sri Lanka relations, including agreements, conflicts, and recent developments.
India and Sri Lanka share a long history of cultural and economic ties, but relations have also been influenced by ethnic conflict and maritime disputes.
- 1987Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed
- 1998Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) signed
- 2004India provides tsunami relief to Sri Lanka
- 2022-2023India extends financial assistance to Sri Lanka during economic crisis
- 2024Joint naval exercises conducted
- 2026JVP indicates shift in stance towards India
India-Sri Lanka Relations: Key Aspects
Mind map showing the key aspects of India-Sri Lanka relations, including economic, political, and cultural dimensions.
India-Sri Lanka Relations
- ●Economic Cooperation
- ●Political Relations
- ●Cultural Ties
- ●Challenges
Recent Developments
8 developmentsIndia has extended financial assistance to Sri Lanka to help it overcome its economic crisis in 2022-2023.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the ETCA to enhance economic cooperation.
India has expressed concerns about Chinese influence in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding infrastructure projects.
Joint naval exercises are conducted regularly to enhance maritime security cooperation.
India is supporting infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, such as the development of ports and highways.
The fisheries issue continues to be a point of contention, with efforts being made to find a sustainable solution.
Sri Lanka has supported India's candidature for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
India has provided COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka as part of its vaccine diplomacy efforts.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What are the key provisions that define India-Sri Lanka relations?
The key provisions defining India-Sri Lanka relations are multifaceted, encompassing development partnerships, trade relations, investment flows, the fisheries issue, and cultural exchanges.
- •India is a major development partner, assisting Sri Lanka in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- •Trade between the two countries is increasing, with efforts to diversify the trade basket.
- •Indian investments in Sri Lanka are significant, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and tourism.
- •The fisheries issue remains sensitive, with frequent incidents involving Indian fishermen.
- •Cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections are actively promoted.
Exam Tip
Remember the key sectors of Indian investment in Sri Lanka for Prelims.
2. How has the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 shaped the relations between the two countries?
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 was a significant attempt to address the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. It involved India sending peacekeeping forces, but this intervention later became controversial. While intended to foster peace, the accord had a mixed legacy and continues to influence perceptions of India's role in Sri Lanka.
Exam Tip
Note the year and purpose of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord for Prelims.
3. What are the major challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations today?
Several challenges persist in India-Sri Lanka relations, including the fisheries issue, concerns about Chinese influence in Sri Lanka, and the need to enhance economic cooperation.
- •Frequent incidents of Indian fishermen being apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities.
- •India's concerns about Chinese infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.
- •The need to finalize and implement the ETCA to boost economic ties.
Exam Tip
Focus on the economic and strategic dimensions of the challenges for Mains.
4. How does the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) of 1998 contribute to the economic relations between the two countries?
The Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) of 1998 aims to enhance trade by reducing tariffs and promoting the exchange of goods. It has led to increased trade volume between the two countries, although efforts are ongoing to diversify the trade basket and address non-tariff barriers.
Exam Tip
Remember the year of ISFTA and its primary objective.
5. What is the significance of India-Sri Lanka relations for regional security?
Strong India-Sri Lanka relations are crucial for regional security due to their geographical proximity and shared interests in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management. Cooperation between the two countries helps maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Exam Tip
Understand the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region in the context of India-Sri Lanka relations.
6. How has India supported Sri Lanka during its economic crisis in 2022-2023?
India has extended financial assistance to Sri Lanka to help it overcome its economic crisis in 2022-2023. This support includes lines of credit, currency swaps, and humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs of the Sri Lankan people.
Exam Tip
Note the types of financial assistance provided by India during the crisis.
Source Topic
JVP's Evolving Stance on India: A Shift in Sri Lanka
International RelationsUPSC Relevance
India-Sri Lanka relations are important for GS-2 (International Relations). Questions can be asked about the historical background, current challenges, and areas of cooperation. The topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains.
In Prelims, factual questions about agreements and initiatives can be asked. In Mains, analytical questions about the strategic importance of Sri Lanka and the impact of regional dynamics are common. Recent developments, such as India's assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, are important to note.
Understanding the perspectives of both countries is crucial for answering questions effectively. Questions on maritime security and the fisheries dispute are frequently asked.