Sri Lanka-China relations

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.

It has repeatedly scrapped deals and flip-flopped on decisions with an array of partners, including India, Japan, China and Russia.

Sri Lanka’s refusal to codify trade relations with India speaks to a consistent policy of strategic ambiguity.

In addition to foreign debt obligations exceeding $7 billion, Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are down to $1.6 billion, barely enough for a few weeks of imports.

By embracing some countries and excluding others, the US has squandered an opportunity to unite South Asia – at least ideologically – against Beijing.

As competition intensifies in the Indian Ocean Region, India loses touch with Sri Lanka and solidifies relations with the Maldives.

Beijing first stepped forward to assist Colombo, a move with geopolitical ramifications.

The deal by the previous government to hand over control to a Chinese firm was seen as a cautionary tale on the dangers of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy.

The infamous 99-year-lease on the port to a Chinese state firm may see an update if the new government in Colombo has its way.

Rather than a reactionary response to the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, India appeared prepared for the political developments in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's export earnings may rise as much as $7 billion because of the refinery.