India’s move to secure ties as presidential race heats up

31 August 2024 12:10 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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The conclave deals with maritime security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity
India is particular about Sri Lanka’s foreign policy
India has been keen that Sri Lanka is not drawn into the sphere of Chinese influence

By Kelum Bandara

Ahead of the presidential poll, in an apparent move to ensure that Indo-Lanka bilateral cooperation on national security is not compromised under a future government, visiting Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with four main presidential candidates - President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa yesterday.

Mr. Doval was on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka to take part in the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). India, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are member-states of the CSC.

The conclave deals with maritime security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity with India bringing to the fore its own strategic concerns in the Indian Ocean.

India is particular about Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, particularly in respect of defence aspects, as it seeks to contain the influence of China in the region.

India has been keen that Sri Lanka is not drawn into the sphere of Chinese influence. India protested the involvement of Chinese research vessels in Sri Lankan waters on the basis that it would stoke national security concerns. Sri Lanka imposed a one-year moratorium on research involving foreign vessels, a move believed by Beijing to target it. China remains resentful of Sri Lanka over this act and conveyed its displeasure to Sri Lanka.

Recently, in what appeared to be a rare incident, Indian and Chinese warships were docked in Colombo port.
India’s INS Mumbai and Chinese ships - destroyer Hefei and amphibious ships Wuzhishan and Qilianshan docked at the same time in Colombo.

A top defence officer said India did not raise objection because Sri Lanka acted lawfully in this regard.

“We cannot say no when there is a request for replenishment,” he said.

Mr. Doval’s engagement with the Sri Lankan presidential candidates is an attempt to make that Sri Lanka remain firm with India.

Comments - 7

wsw Saturday, 31 August 2024 12:24 PM

Sri Lanka should firmly keep it's distance from both India and China when it comes to strategic positioning moves, foreign investments are welcome as long as the government has controlling interests unlike the debacle with the Hambantota harbour. no foreign power should be ever handed over vital assets of the nation, at any stage, full stop.

3 14

Kumar Sunday, 01 September 2024 05:23 PM

Absolutely! We have because of corrupt, inept and stupid politicians who want only to line their pockets, compromised our country, people and the economy. Until we the people take a firm stand against these elements we will continue to bow to India, China, USA, etc

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Budding Sunday, 01 September 2024 03:17 AM

wsw from when are you deciding the foreign policy. We will sell everything to the highest bidder for the highest commission.

1 1

wsw Sunday, 01 September 2024 11:44 AM

Budding, tough times can be navigated with some lighthearted sense of humor, right?

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Kevin Sunday, 01 September 2024 04:37 AM

Basil's relative was in SL for the purpose.

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FredSnr Sunday, 01 September 2024 10:14 AM

Unless there is freedom of expression how can a country feel secure, anyway it is up to the people to decide, but I doubt they have a choice in such matters , it is being decided for them, the rules of the game have changed

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Senaka Monday, 02 September 2024 01:55 AM

India must have its own defences to protect itself and cannot dictate to us the extent of our relationship with China or any country in the world. It is our business.

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