India-Srilanka Flashcards
Q. Write an introduction for the topic “ India-Sri Lanka relations” ?
Ans : * Recently, India and Sri Lanka released a statement titled “ Promoting Connectivity, Catalysing Prosperity: India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision.”
* Also, several MOUs like operationalizing UPI digital payments in Sri Lanka and designating the Indian Rupee as currency for trade, renewable energy and economic development projects in Trincomalee were signed.
* Both countries have also decided to start passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in TN & Kankesanturai in Sri Lanka.
Q. How have the economic and connectivity ties between India and Sri Lanka?
Ans : 1. Overall Trade : ISFTA signed in 1998 which came into force in 2000.
* India was Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner with an overall bilateral merchandise trade of US$ 5.45 billion in 2021.
2. Connectivity : Agreements like Open Sky, Aur Bubble arrangements exist to restore aur connectivity .
Q. What are some other areas of convergence between India-Sri Lanka ?
Ans : 1. Trade : 2/3rd of the world’s oil and 1/3 of the world’s container transportation passes through south of Sri Lanka.
2. Geopolitical interest : SL is an essential partner in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
3. Military significance: SL, juncture of Arabian Sea & Bob, close to the zone meant for switching of Indian Naval fleets.
* Military exercise- Mitra Shakti & Naval exercise- Slinex are conducted regularly.
4. Cultural significance: Buddhism as the common link; Substantial Tamil population in SL with close people-to-people ties with Tamils in India.
Q. What are some divergences in India-Sri Lanka Relations ?
Ans : 1. Trust deficit : Asymmetrical nature of relations.
2. Fishing Disputes : Incidents of Sri Lankan Navy firing on Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait . ( Katchatheevu island ceded to SL in 1974)
3. Economic and political crisis in SL, affected SL’s ability to engage with India.
4. Strategic issues due to increased Chinese presence : Part of Maritime Silk Route (MSR) policy, China built Colombo and Hambantota ports.
5. Tamil Question : Issue of Tamil minority rights in Sri Lanka remains a sensitive topic; 13 CAA to allow devolution of power to provinces has not been implemented .
Q. What was the Role of India in Helping Sri Lanka in the 2022 Economic Crisis ?
Ans : 1. First country to hand over its letter of support for financing and debt restructuring of SL to the IMF.
2. Extended nearly US $4 billion in food and financial assistance to Colombo ( including currency swaps and credit lines ).
3. Dispatched several shipments of essentials such as fuel, food and fertilizers.
4. In-depth talks with the SL govt, IMF and the Paris Club through which debt relief and finances were finalized.
Q. What are some Way forwards for India- Sri Lanka relations ?
Ans : 1. Continued efforts.
2. Regional Cooperation: Leveraging regional platforms like BIMSTEC and SAARC.
3. Permanent solution for the fishermen issue.
4. Combating terrorism
5. People-to-people ties : Encouraging cultural exchanges, tourism and educational cooperation .
