Indo-US strategic allies support Sri Lanka’s struggling political and economic situation

In light of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe'sdeclaration that there are not enough funds to hold local government elections and his assumption of office to lead the nation in rescuing Sri Lanka from its severe economic crisis without holding elections, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressed concern about the postponement of Local Government (LG) elections.

In a tweet, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee discussed the postponement of the Sri Lankan local government election, which is causing unrest among the populace. They stated that any attempt to silence the voice of the Sri Lankan people is categorically undemocratic and a clear violation of their rights. They advised holding local elections right away in a democratic way.

India and the United States have been strengthening their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, with a focus on enhancing security and promoting economic growth and they have pledged to assist Sri Lanka during its current crisis, with India offering USD 4 billion in assistance for the year 2022 whereas, the US over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, donated over 3.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and provided over USD17.9 million to Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response and recovery alone. 

Both India and the US have expressed interest in assisting Sri Lanka's political and economic stability. India and Sri Lanka have also signed development and trade pacts.

However, the current outcry by Sri Lankans over skyrocketing living costs as well as heavy taxation on the public in order to obtain the IMF USD 2.9 billion bailout package favored by India, Japan, and the US has not resulted in a unanimous decision. Even so, the country is in deep trouble as a result of the delays caused by China's lack of support. However, prior to the crisis, the people of Sri Lanka have recently demanded a political settlement.

India, too, has pushed for LG elections as well as the implementation of the 13A, which would grant provinces, including the Northern province, the right to land and police power.

Vinod K Jacob, India's Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, a few days ago stated that emphasis can be placed on areas such as trade in national currencies, ease of investment, and strengthening financial cooperation. In addition, the two sides are working to improve air, ferry, digital, and energy connectivity. He also emphasized the need for a new type of development cooperation partnership that builds on the existing multibillion-dollar portfolio, with a focus on vulnerable communities. He also stated that both sides must improve people-to-people exchanges, particularly in tourist movements further stating that it is essential to strengthen the cultural, religious, music, movie and sporting links for mutual benefit.

At the same time, the US Senate has reaffirmed its ties with Sri Lanka for a promising future in which bilateral ties may be strengthened further.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee, established in 1816 as one of the Senate's original ten standing committees, has been reiterating the importance of stable government and transparency.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is a standing committee of the United States Senate in charge of overseeing US government foreign policy issues and activities. The committee has a significant impact on US foreign policy and relationships with other countries, including Sri Lanka. The committee has also backed US aid to Sri Lanka, particularly in economic development and security. In 2021, the committee passed a bill that included provisions for economic assistance to Sri Lanka, with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure improvement, and democratic governance.

Overall, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is influential in shaping US policy toward Sri Lanka, as well as advocating for human rights and accountability in the country.

Even as recently as July 2022, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated that any IMF agreement with Sri Lanka must be contingent on the Central Bank's independence, strong anti-corruption measures, and promotion of the rule of law.

The US and India have expressed interest in Sri Lanka's maritime security and have urged the country to address security concerns in its waters. Because of its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become an important transit point for ships passing through the territory.

The United States has been collaborating with Sri Lanka to improve its maritime capabilities, including providing training and equipment to improve the country's ability to monitor its waters and prevent illegal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking.

The US is also concerned about China's growing influence in Sri Lanka's maritime sector. China has made significant investments in Sri Lanka's ports, including the Hambantota Port, raising concerns about China's potential use of Sri Lanka's ports for military purposes.

To counterbalance China's influence, the US has sought to increase its own presence in Sri Lanka's maritime sector and strengthen its relationship with Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka awarded Adani Group of India, the West Container Terminal development project in Colombo, as well as renewable energy projects in the Northern Province, by India. India has also pushed for the development of several oil tanks in the Trincomalee oil farm.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka on February 27, 2023, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung stated that "the relationship between our two countries is broad and deep, and at its very heart is our shared commitment to People, Progress, and Partnership."

The core elements of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, according to the Ambassador, include a "shared vision for an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, prosperous, connected, resilient, and secure." "We can all agree that working together to build a prosperous Indo-Pacific is more critical now than ever when we consider the economic challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing," the Ambassador said. So, to be clear, the United States is Sri Lanka's partner and stands by it as it navigates this difficult period."

Chinese investments in infrastructure projects like the Hambantota Port have raised some concerns in the United States and other nations about China's expanding influence in the Indian Ocean region. Although China has denied having any such intentions, some analysts have posited that China may try to use the port for military operations.

The potential military ramifications of China's port investments have drawn concern from the United States, which have been closely monitoring China’s investments in the area. The United States announced in 2019 that it would give Sri Lanka $480 million in aid to develop its energy and infrastructure sectors, as well as to support civil society and encourage good governance. The announcement was viewed as a component of American efforts to counter China's influence in the region.

In response to the growing Chinese influence in the "pearl of the Indian Ocean," several warships from both the US and India hadsailed in the past to Trincomalee and Colombo harbours.

But just last week, on January 26, the eight-day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Sri Lanka 2023, which boosted military cooperation between the American and Sri Lankan militaries, was held. CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka was held in Colombo, at Sri Lanka Navy bases in Trincomalee and Mullikullam, as well as in the Laccadive Sea, from January 19 to January 26. Enhancing capability in HADR (humanitarian assistance, disaster relief), and maritime security, was the aim of the exercise.

Last year too, Sri Lanka and the United States held the Fourth Sri Lanka-U.S. Partnership Dialogue to reaffirm their shared commitment to democracy, human rights, economic prosperity, and the rule of law. Prof. G.L. Peiris, a former foreign minister, and Victoria Nuland, the Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, co-chaired the meeting.

On the Indian side, on February 28, 2023, the Indian Navy trained Sri Lanka Defence Forces personnel on board the Indian Naval Ship Sukanya in Colombo. According to India, training is the most important and long-lasting pillar of bilateral defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy High Commissioner stated that the Indian Defence Forces provide approximately 1500 training slots to Sri Lanka each year, which are funded through a special program with an annual budget of USD 7 million.

Cadets are trained at India's premier defense institutes such as the National Defence College, Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, and Indian Naval Academy. In addition, various service-specific training modules and staff courses are also offered. Sri Lanka is the country with the most billets in Higher Defence Management and National Defence College Courses. The Deputy High Commissioner stated that it is a source of great pride for India that some of these alumni have risen to the ranks of Sri Lanka's Service Chiefs.