India Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement in 1974 recognizing Sri Lankan sovereignty over the tiny island of Katchatheevu.

“Sections of the Indian establishment have supported the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal because Indian diplomacy is finding it increasingly difficult to deal with a turbulent democracy.”

The vessel had been expected to conduct research with Sri Lankan state institutions, but permission was granted only for replenishment.

Several Chinese delegations have traveled to Sri Lanka in recent months and Chinese investments could spike, prompting alarmist reporting in the Indian media.

Sri Lanka has referred to the Yuan Wang 5 as a "scientific research ship," but India apprehends that the vessel could be used to surveil the region.

The lack of a well-defined maritime boundary, along with heightened surveillance, is compounding India-Sri Lanka tensions.

The Rajapaksa government’s decision to renege on a 2019 agreement that also involved Japan comes at a time when New Delhi seeks to up its neighborhood game.

In South Asia, domestic politics often interfaces with geopolitics, presenting unexpected challenges for regional powers, big and small.

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s history with the island nation and the Rajapaksa brothers is worth keeping in mind.

The latest iteration comes amid Indian concerns around Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean – and China’s foothold in Sri Lanka.

The Rajapaksa brothers have the better hand in the bilateral relationship.