Overview

India and Sri Lanka share a long and intricate relationship, deeply rooted in their geographical proximity and historical connections. Spanning over a century, their bilateral ties have fluctuated between cooperation and conflict, influenced by regional dynamics, internal politics, and international pressures. This article by Academic Block will explores the evolution of India-Sri Lanka relations from the early 20th century to the present day, examining key phases, events, and issues that have shaped their interactions.

Early 20th Century and Independence Era

Colonial Era Influences

In the early 20th century, Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was a British colony, while India was also under British rule. Despite their shared colonial experience, the political and social contexts of the two countries were distinct. India's struggle for independence was marked by a broad-based nationalist movement, while Ceylon's path to independence involved a more gradual process of constitutional reform.

During this period, the interactions between Indian and Ceylonese leaders were limited but significant. Indian leaders like Sardar Patel were aware of the geopolitical importance of Ceylon, which was strategically located in the Indian Ocean. However, formal diplomatic relations were minimal due to the colonial administrations in both countries.

Post-Independence Diplomacy

Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain in 1948, and India had already achieved independence in 1947. The early years of their relationship were characterized by a cautious but cooperative approach. Both nations were eager to establish a stable and peaceful neighborhood, and their initial interactions were focused on fostering friendly ties and mutual respect.

1950s-1970s: Building Ties Amidst Challenges

The Nehru Era

During the 1950s, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, India pursued a policy of non-alignment and sought to build strong regional relationships. India and Sri Lanka engaged in various diplomatic initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation. The primary focus was on economic and cultural exchanges, with both countries recognizing the benefits of closer collaboration.

However, the relationship faced challenges due to the ethnic tensions within Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese-majority government's policies towards the Tamil minority were a source of concern for India, given the significant Tamil population in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. India’s attempts to mediate and influence the Sri Lankan government were met with mixed responses.

Sri Lanka's support of Pakistan against India

Between 1960 and 1980, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and Pakistan shared strong strategic cooperation primarily aimed against India's growing regional influence. The period saw close diplomatic and military ties between the two countries, especially during the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. Sri Lanka, while maintaining a non-aligned stance, allowed Pakistan to use its airspace and refueling facilities during the 1965 war. This support by Sri Lanka helped Pakistan in strengthening its war efforts against India.

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, further cemented cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Despite global condemnation of Pakistan’s actions in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Sri Lanka continued its support by once again allowing Pakistani military flights to use Colombo as a refueling stop. This was significant as India had sealed off the air route between East and West Pakistan. Following the war, Pakistan and Sri Lanka continued to collaborate in the realms of trade, defense, and diplomacy. While India’s influence remained prominent, Pakistan still value Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in South Asia.

The 1970s: Rising Tensions

The 1970s witnessed increasing tensions between India and Sri Lanka, primarily due to the escalating ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government's policies towards the Tamil population, including language and education policies, led to its global condemnation, and widespread unrest. India, with its own Tamil population, was deeply concerned about the situation.

The Indian government, led by Indira Gandhi, became more involved in Sri Lankan affairs. India attempted to address the issue through talks and diplomatic channels, advocating for the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka. However, these efforts often strained relations with the Sri Lankan government, which viewed India's intervention as an infringement on its sovereignty.

1980s: The Tamil Issue and the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord

The Role of the Tamil Tigers

The 1980s marked a significant turning point in India-Sri Lanka relations due to the rise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization fighting for an independent Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. The LTTE's activities, including attacks on Sri Lankan forces and civilians, exacerbated the ethnic conflict and drew India's attention.

India, under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, initially provided diplomatic support to Tamil militant groups as part of its policy to counteract Sri Lankan government actions. This support, however, led to increased tensions between the two nations. The Sri Lankan government accused India of meddling in its internal affairs, further straining relations.

The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987)

In a bid to resolve the conflict, India and Sri Lanka signed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987. The Accord aimed to address the Tamil issue by granting regional autonomy to the Tamil-majority areas in Sri Lanka and deploying Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) to maintain peace.

The Accord was a landmark in India-Sri Lanka relations, as it demonstrated India’s commitment to resolving the Tamil issue diplomatically. However, the deployment of IPKF was met with resistance from both the LTTE and sections of the Sri Lankan population. The IPKF’s operations, marked by clashes and casualties, led to growing discontent in India and Sri Lanka.

The Withdrawal of Indian Troops

By 1990, India faced increasing criticism over its involvement in Sri Lanka, leading to the decision to withdraw the IPKF. The withdrawal marked a shift in India’s approach towards Sri Lanka, moving from direct intervention to a more diplomatic stance. Despite the withdrawal, the legacy of the IPKF's presence continued to impact bilateral relations.

1990s-2000s: Post-Conflict Relations and Economic Cooperation

The Post-War Period

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a gradual improvement in India-Sri Lanka relations, especially after the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. The conclusion of the conflict with the defeat of the LTTE in 2009 marked a new phase in bilateral relations. India provided significant humanitarian assistance and support for post-war reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka.

Economic cooperation became a central focus of the relationship during this period. India and Sri Lanka signed several trade agreements, including the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) in 1998, which aimed to boost economic ties and trade between the two nations. The ISFTA facilitated increased trade and investment, contributing to economic growth in both countries.

The 2000s: Regional Cooperation and Diplomatic Engagement

The 2000s witnessed a strengthening of bilateral ties through regional cooperation initiatives. India and Sri Lanka engaged in various joint projects, including infrastructure development and capacity-building programs. The Indian government’s support for Sri Lanka’s development efforts was seen as a testament to the growing cooperation between the two countries.

Diplomatic engagement continued, with high-level visits and discussions focusing on enhancing economic collaboration and addressing regional security concerns. India’s assistance in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure further solidified the bilateral relationship.

2010s-Present: Current Dynamics and Challenges

Post-War Reconstruction and Human Rights Concerns

The post-war period presented both opportunities and challenges for India-Sri Lanka relations. While India continued to support Sri Lanka’s reconstruction efforts, there were concerns about human rights violations during the final stages of the civil war. India’s calls for accountability and reconciliation were met with mixed reactions from the Sri Lankan government.

India’s involvement in the international community’s discussions on Sri Lanka’s human rights record demonstrated its commitment to addressing these issues. However, the complex nature of the situation, coupled with domestic political considerations, often influenced India’s approach.

Economic and Strategic Ties

In recent years, economic and strategic ties have remained central to India-Sri Lanka relations. Both countries have continued to enhance their economic collaboration, with India being one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners and sources of investment. Joint projects in infrastructure, energy, and technology have contributed to strengthening economic ties.

Strategically, India has sought to maintain a balance in its approach towards Sri Lanka, given the growing influence of China in the region. The Chinese presence in Sri Lanka, particularly through investments and infrastructure projects, has been a concern for India, which views it as a strategic challenge.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Collapse of 2020 - 23, and India's Bailout

China played a significant role in Sri Lanka's financial troubles of 2022-23, primarily due to its extensive infrastructure investments and loans under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From 2020 onwards, China became one of Sri Lanka’s largest lenders, funding large-scale projects like the Hambantota Port, Colombo Port City, and other infrastructure developments. While these projects were "intended" to boost the country's economy, many of them failed to generate any meaningful revenue. The Hambantota Port, for instance, became a symbol of debt diplomacy, as Sri Lanka was forced to lease the port to a China for 99 years after failing to repay the loans. This, coupled with other debt obligations, exacerbated Sri Lanka’s financial vulnerability, with Chinese debt contributing to large portion of Sri Lanka’s overall foreign debt.

Critics argue that China’s predatory lending practices, particularly high-interest loans with short repayment periods, contributed to Sri Lanka’s unsustainable debt burden. When Sri Lanka’s economy collapsed in 2022, China did offer some symbolic assistance, like currency swap and promises of restructuring its loans. However, these measures were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka's default or stabilize its economy. This crisis also highlighted concerns about China's role in creating financial dependency and the risks associated with its lending practices in developing countries. Later, Sri Lanka was forced to seek international assistance, from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and neighboring countries, to address its financial collapse and avoid a deeper humanitarian crisis.

In 2022 India stepped in as a key partner, providing a substantial financial bailout to help stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy. Between 2022 and 2023, India extended over $5 billion in assistance, which included lines of credit, currency swaps, and humanitarian aid. This aid helped Sri Lanka procure essential goods, such as fuel and food, while also providing temporary relief from its financial woes. India’s support was seen not only as a humanitarian gesture but also as a act of friendship to maintain regional stability.

Political and Diplomatic Relations

The political landscape in Sri Lanka has influenced its relations with India. The change in government in Sri Lanka, with shifts in leadership and policy priorities, has impacted bilateral interactions. India has navigated these changes with a focus on maintaining a cooperative relationship while addressing its strategic and economic interests.

Diplomatic engagements between India and Sri Lanka have continued through high-level visits, dialogues, and joint initiatives. Both countries have emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and constructive relationship, despite occasional differences and challenges.

Final Words

India-Sri Lanka relations have evolved significantly over the 20th and 21st centuries, shaped by historical connections, geopolitical dynamics, and internal developments. From the early days of cautious cooperation to the complex interactions of the modern era, the relationship between these two South Asian neighbors reflects a blend of shared interests and challenges.

As both countries move forward, their relationship will likely continue to be influenced by regional developments, economic opportunities, and political changes. The ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation, address historical issues, and navigate strategic concerns will play a crucial role in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below to help us make this article better. Your feedback is important to us. Thank you for Reading!