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International Relations•Neighbourhood Relations

India and Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka share a dynamic and multifaceted bilateral relationship rooted in geography, history, and strategic interests. As neighboring countries separated by the Palk Strait, they are the only two South Asian nations sharing a maritime border. Their ties are pivotal for UPSC aspirants due to their significance in India’s neighborhood policy, economic diplomacy, and regional security. Understanding these relations is critical for exams, as questions often explore India’s role in South Asian stability, economic partnerships, and maritime strategy.

Key Constitutional/Legal Foundations

The relationship is governed by key agreements such as the 1974 India-Sri Lanka Fisheries Agreement and the 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement, which resolved territorial disputes. The Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) (2005) and subsequent economic cooperation frameworks underscore their economic integration. Both nations, as Commonwealth republics, also collaborate within multilateral platforms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Subtopics Covered in This Chapter

  1. Historical Background: Colonial legacy, post-independence relations, and the impact of the Sri Lankan civil war.
  2. Economic Relations: Trade partnerships, ISFTA, India’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic revitalization, and infrastructure projects (e.g., Colombo Port City).
  3. Security and Strategic Cooperation: Joint efforts to counter terrorism, maritime security, and the Indian Ocean security umbrella.
  4. Cultural and People-to-People Links: Buddhist heritage, Tamil diaspora issues, and cultural exchanges.
  5. Maritime Boundary and Palk Strait Issues: Dispute resolution and navigation rights.
  6. Contemporary Challenges: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, India’s humanitarian assistance, and regional geopolitics.

Exam Relevance

  • Prelims: Expect questions on key agreements (e.g., ISFTA, Maritime Boundary Treaty), India’s economic role as Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.
  • Mains: Analysis of India’s neighborhood policy, economic diplomacy, and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Essays may also explore cultural ties or the role of India in Sri Lanka’s post-conflict reconstruction.

This chapter equips aspirants to tackle nuanced questions on India’s bilateral engagement with its closest neighbor, emphasizing strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions.

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