India-Sri Lanka relations

While agreements promise economic recovery, concerns remain regarding their long-term implications for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and economic independence.

Like his predecessors, President Dissanayake will have to carefully navigate between accommodating Indian demands and resisting overreach.

Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will have to strike a deft balance between two regional powers.

Modi 3.0 pledges to persist with key foreign policy initiatives, particularly focusing on neighboring countries.

Modi’s decision to revisit a sovereignty dispute resolved in the 1970s risks tearing a rift in ties with Sri Lanka.

A recent India-Sri Lanka agreement for constructing renewable energy systems in three islands off the Jaffna coast reaffirms India’s domination of the sector.

A section of Sri Lankan officials believes that Colombo’s plans to make a power agreement with the Adani Group officially government-to-government could have prompted Delhi’s decision.

The outcomes of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to India faced criticisms over a lack of transparency and potential threats to sovereignty.

Much of the plans outlined in the statement have been discussed for years and not implemented because they are not viable.

Last year’s economic crisis crippled the island nation, but it also provided India an opening to offset some of the inroads that China has made in Sri Lanka.

Since an economic crisis hit the country last year, New Delhi has reminded Colombo who its real friends are.

Agreements on connectivity, renewable energy and technology were signed during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit.

Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis highlighted the potential for India to play an expanded economic role in the region, especially given China’s inaction.

Recent visits to Colombo by top officials from India and the U.S. illustrate how Sri Lanka’s power sector is becoming a theater of big power rivalry.

The island does not have an energy policy and deals, which are often done secretly, are controversial.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar said it has extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the plan but did not reveal the nature of these assurances.

India can follow up on its humanitarian and financial aid by building holistic maritime security and connectivity linkages with its neighbor.

Irked over Canada allowing a referendum on Khalistan to take place, India hit back with a travel advisory cautioning against increasing hate crimes in Canada.

Only a few months ago, Sri Lankans were grateful to India for its help during the economic crisis. Now the mood is changing.

In a recent address, President Wickremesinghe defended the Chinese-built Hambantota port but pledged to address India’s security concerns.

The Yuan Wang 5’s docking at Hambantota Port continues to create ripples long after the ship left the island.

The Indian and Chinese diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka sparred on social media over the visit of a Chinese military research vessel to the island nation.

Despite New Delhi’s objections, Colombo has permitted a Chinese "research and survey" ship to dock at Hambantota Port soon.

By offering support during Colombo’s economic collapse, India has widened its footprint in Sri Lanka after a decade of losing ground to China.