look news india
Sri Lanka on Monday gave an important assurance to India, in which it assured that its territory will not be used for any kind of harmful activities against India. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued this statement. In this statement, Colombo reiterated its stand and assured India of keeping the promise. This assurance has come at a time when China is rapidly advancing its aggressive mission in the Indian Ocean.
China’s growing influence and India’s concerns
It is noteworthy that due to inability to repay the loan, Sri Lanka has given control of Hambantota port to China. China has been using this port for surveillance and espionage activities. In the last few years, China has launched satellite and ballistic missile tracking ships weighing 25,000 tons. ‘Yuan Wang-5’ Has been deployed in Hambantota several times. New Delhi views this activity as a strategic threat to itself due to Sri Lanka’s geographical location and proximity to India.
Presence of spy ships: Security challenge for India
In August 2022, India had expressed its concern over this issue to Sri Lanka. After this, Sri Lanka appealed to China to postpone the presence of the ships. However, the Chinese ship was later allowed to dock at Hambantota port again. Since then, Chinese surveillance and spy ships have been continuously patrolling the Indian Ocean region. These activities are considered a serious threat to India’s maritime security and strategic interests.
How did China capture Hambantota port?
Hambantota port was built by Sri Lanka by taking a loan of $ 1.7 billion from China. But Sri Lanka was unable to repay it. In case of non-payment of $100 million annually, Sri Lanka had to hand over this port to China on a 99-year lease. This port strengthens China’s strategic hold in the Indian Ocean and poses a major challenge to India.
India-Sri Lanka partnership and strategic cooperation
Amidst these circumstances, India and Sri Lanka on Monday expressed their commitment to protect mutual security and strategic interests. During the delegation level talks held in New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a number of important issues.
agreed upon bilateral agreements
In this meeting, both the countries emphasized on investment-based development, connectivity, and increasing mutual trade. Also, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance capacity building and cooperation. This partnership is an effort to ensure long-term stability and mutual benefit between the two countries.
Why is Sri Lanka’s assurance important for India?
- Strategic Security: The geographical location of Sri Lanka is important for India, as it is located close to the southern part of India.
- China’s influence: Chinese investments and strategic ports in Sri Lanka remain a matter of concern for India.
- Security of the Indian Ocean: China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region challenges India’s strategic position.
- Improve relationships: India can secure its regional security interests with a strong partnership with Sri Lanka.
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