Harm India using Sri Lankan Soil | Defence Pact Signed
Article Title: A New Era in India-Sri Lanka Relations: PM Modi’s Historic Visit and Strategic Breakthroughs.
Today, we bring you a fascinating and historic development in India’s foreign relations, particularly with its southern neighbour, Sri Lanka. In a rare and significant diplomatic event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded an extraordinary ceremonial welcome in the heart of Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital—an honour that no other foreign leader has ever received in Sri Lanka’s history.
A Grand Welcome Like Never Before
As part of his tour following the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, PM Modi’s next destination was Colombo. What unfolded there was nothing short of historic. At the iconic Independence Square, PM Modi was given a grand ceremonial welcome with artillery salutes, a military parade, and even drone formations that lit up the skies with the Indian national anthem. This welcome symbolised not only a gesture of respect but also the deepening trust and friendship between the two nations.
The Shadow of History: A Stark Contrast from 1987
This level of warmth was in stark contrast to a bitter memory from 1987 when then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was attacked by a Sri Lankan soldier during a ceremonial guard of honour. The incident had left a mark on Indo-Sri Lankan ties, which remained tense for decades due to the LTTE issue and internal ethnic conflicts in Sri Lanka, particularly concerning the Tamil population.
But times have changed.
A Strategic Shift in India’s Sri Lanka Policy
Under the leadership of Sri Lanka’s new President, a transformational shift in bilateral relations has occurred. For the first time in history, India and Sri Lanka have signed a landmark defence cooperation pact, underscoring mutual trust and shared strategic interests.
Sri Lanka’s President explicitly stated that Sri Lankan territory will never be allowed to be used against India, referring indirectly to growing concerns about Chinese spy ships docking at Sri Lankan ports. This assurance has been echoed by India’s top diplomatic officials, showing a rare alignment of vision between the two governments.
India’s Vigilance on Chinese Naval Movements
India has long been cautious about Chinese surveillance vessels that China claims are research ships, but are widely believed to be spy ships. These vessels have frequently docked at Sri Lankan ports, raising alarms in New Delhi. However, with the new agreement and Sri Lanka’s assurances, India can now breathe easier, knowing that its security interests will be respected.
An Era of Cooperation: Beyond Defence
The bilateral agreements didn’t stop at defence. India and Sri Lanka also signed several MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) related to:
- Energy cooperation
- Digital trade
- Digital technology collaboration
In addition, PM Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s prestigious ‘Mitra Vibhushan’ medal—a high civilian honour granted to foreign dignitaries who contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s development. This marked the 28th international honour received by PM Modi from foreign nations including France, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.
Why This Pact Was Delayed for So Long
One might wonder: Why wasn’t such a defence pact signed earlier, given the close geographical and cultural proximity of the two nations?
The answer lies in the Tamil Nadu political sentiment and the LTTE issue that once created friction. Many political leaders in Tamil Nadu opposed defence ties with Sri Lanka due to the latter’s military actions against the Tamil population. However, with the LTTE now a thing of the past, new opportunities for cooperation have emerged.
A Diplomatic Win in Times of Global Instability
At a time when global instability and economic uncertainty are rising, India’s successful diplomacy with Sri Lanka is a major foreign policy victory. The two nations are now stepping into a new era of strategic partnership, where mutual trust, regional stability, and economic growth are the common goals.
A Quick Quiz for You!
Before we conclude, here’s a quick question for all our curious minds:
POEM-4, which recently crash-landed near Australia, was a part of which space agency’s mission?
A) NASA
B) ISRO
C) SpaceX
D) JAXA
Think you know the answer? Drop it in the comments!
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Conclusion
PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka has reshaped India-Sri Lanka relations forever. It’s a diplomatic turning point, a strategic alliance, and above all—a step towards a more secure and cooperative Indian Ocean region.