Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Sri Lanka culminated in several defense and energy agreements, furthering India-Sri Lanka relations. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honored Modi with the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana,' reinforcing diplomatic ties. This visit is viewed as part of India's strategy to mitigate China's expanding power in the region, especially significant given Sri Lanka's critical maritime location and its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative. Both leaders acknowledged interdependent security interests, with Dissanayake committing to prevent external threats to India.
"Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is a vivid demonstrator of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, where India extends asymmetric benefits to its neighbors, expecting reasonable assurances on security," Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian diplomat, told DW.
We believe that our security interests are aligned. Our security is interdependent and interconnected."
Dissanayake said he had assured the Indian prime minister that Sri Lankan territory 'will not be allowed to be used by anyone to undermine India's security.'
Sri Lanka is strategically located on one of the world's busiest shipping routes. And Beijing's influence there has been growing in recent years, worrying New Delhi.
#india-sri-lanka-relations #defense-agreements #china-influence #diplomatic-visit #neighborhood-first-policy
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