- Reinforces Strategic, Economic, and Security Partnerships
- The island nation walks a tightrope between India and China
By Jai Kumar Verma
New Delhi. 29 December 2024. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a historic maiden visit to India in December 2024, choosing New Delhi as his first overseas destination after assuming office in September 2024. The visit carries significant weight as Dissanayake is the first president elected from the National People’s Power (NPP), a coalition of left-wing and progressive parties. By visiting India first, the President signalled his intent to prioritize the India-Sri Lanka relationship despite his party’s historic links with China.
During the visit, Dissanayake reassured Indian leaders that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against India’s security or regional stability, addressing longstanding concerns about Chinese influence in the island nation. The visit focused on deepening bilateral ties through economic cooperation, defence agreements, and mutual security assurances, while also emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean Region.
He was the first president to be elected from a third party i.e. the National People’s Power (NPP) or Jathija Jana Balawegaya. The NPP is a centre-left to left-wing political party and was constituted as a coalition of left-wing and progressive parties. The objective of the party was to present an alternative to the existing political parties. By making the first overseas visit to India the visiting president gave a bold signal that he attaches great importance to the relationship between Sri Lanka and India.
Additionally, he promised India that he would not permit Sri Lankan territory to be used for any activity which jeopardises regional stability and Indian security. Sri Lanka will not permit the use of its land “in a manner that is detrimental to the interest of India,” he said. The claim is significant since Dissanayake is a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party that leans left and is hostile to India and closely associated with China.
The joint statement stated that the expansion of “collaboration in research and development in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, digital economy, health and other areas of mutual interest.” The joint communique also mentioned that “Both leaders appreciated the ongoing collaboration for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka with the aim of promoting self-sufficiency and nutritional security.”
The proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) was also discussed. 14 rounds of talks were already held between both the countries. The fisheries dispute also came in discussion but both countries continued with their known positions. Hence it was decided that soon there should be meeting of fishermen associations of both the countries so that they can resolve their disputes.
The Sri Lankan President is accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando. At the airport Sri Lankan President was received by L Murugan Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. The visiting president also met President Droupadi Murmu. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also called on the Sri Lankan President.
Both leaders discussed about the safe and secure Indian Ocean Region. The joint statement reinforced “Recognizing shared security interests of India and Sri Lanka, both leaders acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other’s security concerns. As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region. India being Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbour, Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s stated position of not permitting its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability”. The statement indirectly covers the Chinese actions in the Indian Ocean Region particularly about the visits of Chinese ships to the island nation and development of Hambantota Port.
India also as a trusted and reliable partner conveyed “its continued commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka in advancing its defence and maritime security needs and extending necessary assistance towards augmenting its capabilities to address its maritime challenges.” Both the sides also discussed about various threats including terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, money laundering etc. Both leaders agreed “to further strengthen the ongoing efforts in training, capacity building, and intelligence and information sharing”.
Both the sides discussed the finalisation of an Agreement of Defence Cooperation which would include “cooperation in hydrography”, increase island nation’s defence capabilities by intensifying collaboration through joint exercises and maritime surveillance. India would provide “tailormade training programmes” for Sri Lankan defence personnel.
While discussing the issue of Tamil minorities Indian side mentioned about “reconciliation and reconstruction” and expected that Colombo would accomplish the aspirations of Tamils residing in Sri Lanka.” The joint statement has not mentioned about the 13th Amendment of Sri Lankan Constitution which provides some autonomy to Provincial Councils but JVP opposes this amendment and also organised a campaign against the amendment which is a part of 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord. Dissanayake is opposed to any type of investigation about the alleged human right violations during the civil war between LTTE and Sri Lankan forces.
Sri Lankan President appreciated Indian assistance to Sri Lanka during the extraordinary economic crisis in 2022 when the island nation ran out of foreign exchange and had no money to buy essential commodities and defaulted on $46 billion foreign loan. Both sides also agreed to enhance economic and energy cooperation. The joint statement mentioned to “Take steps towards the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and further augment its capacity as per the requirements of Sri Lanka.”
Generally, the leaders of Sri Lanka pay first visit to India after taking over but as China is increasing its influence and President Dissanayake is of communist ideology it was expected that he may break the tradition and may not visit India first. In recent past Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu travelled to Turkey and China before visiting India. Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus visited United States before coming to India. Same way Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also paid first visit to China instead of India.
India is a key trading partner of Sri Lanka and the former’s export to Colombo is $4.1 billion while Colombo’s export to India is $1.4 billion, however China is Sri Lanka’s biggest bilateral lender. As China is important Dissanayake is expected to visit China in early 2025.
Sri Lanka is strategically important as it is located at the world’s busiest shipping route, about two-thirds of the world’s oil and half of the world’s container transportation passes from the south of the island nation. Dissanayake few days before his visit to India mentioned that Adani Group’s port project in Colombo would continue and allegations of U.S. would not affect the agreement.
Indian Foreign Minister was the first foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka after National People’s Power (NPP) won the elections and came to power in 2024. Dissanayake who is a pragmatist and not an ideologue made it clear to the visiting foreign minister that Sri Lankan territory would not be allowed to be used against the interests of India. The comment was with clear reference of China. He also made it clear that India’s economic support is important for Sri Lanka.
China increased its influence in Sri Lanka by investing billions of dollars in the infrastructure projects in the country including a port which is against the security interests of India. However, in 2022 the economy of Sri Lanka collapsed and at that time instead of Beijing, New Delhi rescued Colombo.
Sri Lanka watchers claim that Dissanayake would strengthen relations with India as he realised that India rescued the country at hour of need. He knows that India is its closest neighbour hence he would like to have cordial relations with India. China would certainly be there but Dissanayake would not harm India’s interests just to help China. Although Indian strategists are aware that Dissanayake’s party is anti-India and pro-China but it is expected that he may not harm Indian interests as he understands importance of its closest neighbour.
An important collation partner Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) is also against India and it claims that the contracts with India are not only favourable to India but also against the Sri Lankan workforce and its resources. The FSP opposes the proposed development of Trincomalee and alleges that India would exploit Sri Lankan natural resources in Mannar and Kuchchaveli. FSP also opposes the revival of ETCA and mentions that the provisions of ETCA would open trade services and then Indian professionals would replace the local worker force. The anti-India lobby is also opposed to India’s supply of LNG, offshore wind power and power grid inter connection as it would be beneficial in short run but in long run Sri Lanka would be dependent on Indian energy infrastructure.
The FSP gives example of Bangladesh which became dependent on Indian multinationals like Adani group. The Indian baiters also claim that India wants to dominate its neighbourhood and under the vision of “Akhand Bharat” it wants a unified South Asia under influence of India. In that case Sri Lanka would lose its sovereignty and it would become a satellite state. Nevertheless, people understand that FSP is pro-China and they are criticising India with ulterior motive. India never expanded its territory while China is an expansionist country.
It is a good gesture that Dissanayake visited first to India and agreements were signed but Delhi has to see that how these agreements are implemented, what are the results of his forthcoming China visit. India has to see whether Chinese spy ships are allowed in Sri Lankan ports or not as the previous government’s one year moratorium on all foreign research ships is ending next month. Dissanayake has to maintain an equilibrium between India and China. Here it is important to note that it is the second visit of Dissanayake within 10 months as India hosted him before elections also, when he was not the President of Sri Lanka. He came to India as a head of National People’s Power (NPP) delegation.
President Dissanayake’s maiden visit to India symbolizes a significant moment in the evolving dynamic between the two neighbours. As Sri Lanka continues to balance its relationships with India and China, this visit reaffirmed New Delhi’s position as a trusted ally during Colombo’s time of need.
The agreements signed during the visit reflect mutual interests in defence, maritime security, energy, and economic cooperation. However, challenges remain, including implementing these agreements and monitoring Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean Region. While anti-India factions in Sri Lanka voice concerns, Dissanayake’s pragmatic approach appears to prioritize stability and mutual growth. The success of this renewed partnership will depend on maintaining transparency, trust, and collaboration in the months ahead, particularly as Sri Lanka navigates its economic recovery and geopolitical commitments.
(Jai Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services Institute of India and The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses,. The views in the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at editor.adu@gmail.com).
