Title: A Comprehensive Analysis of India-Sri Lanka Relations: Past, Present, and Future

Prospects
Overview
India and Sri Lanka, two geographically close South Asian neighbors, have shared a long and
complex history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. With only a narrow strip of the Palk
Strait separating them, the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has been multifaceted,
ranging from friendly alliances to moments of tension and conflict. This discussion aims to
provide a comprehensive picture of the India-Sri Lanka relations, examining their historical
context, key events, strategic interests, economic cooperation, cultural bonds, and potential
challenges for the future.
Historical Background
The historical ties between India and Sri Lanka date back millennia, with both countries sharing
a rich and intertwined history (Ganesh, 2018). The ancient maritime trade routes facilitated the
exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the Indian subcontinent and the island of Sri
Lanka (Verma, 2022). Buddhism, which originated in India, played a pivotal role in shaping Sri
Lanka's culture and religious landscape (Mir, 2023). Throughout the centuries, various South
Indian dynasties, such as the Cholas and the Pandyas, exerted their influence over parts of Sri
Lanka, leaving a lasting impact on its language, art, and architecture (Gunasena, 2018). These
historical interactions fostered cultural bonds that continue to resonate between the two nations
today (Attanayake, 2021). During the colonial era, both India and Sri Lanka fell under British
rule, which intensified their shared struggle for independence. The Indian National Congress,
advocating for self-rule, also championed the cause of Sri Lanka's independence, reinforcing a
sense of solidarity between the two neighbors (Singh, 2000). Following their respective
independence in the mid-20th century, India and Sri Lanka established formal diplomatic
relations. This marked the beginning of a dynamic relationship that has experienced ups and
downs but remains rooted in shared history, culture, and a vision for regional cooperation and
prosperity (VIJAYAKUMAR, 2022).
Colonial Period and Independence
The colonial period significantly shaped the trajectory of India-Sri Lanka relations, as both
countries came under British colonial rule. India's struggle for independence, led by figures like
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, influenced Sri Lanka's own quest for freedom (Singh,
2000). The Indian National Congress actively supported the Sri Lankan independence
movement, fostering a sense of camaraderie and common cause (Singh, 2000). Sri Lanka, then
known as Ceylon, achieved independence in 1948, marking a turning point in its history. India's
attainment of independence a year earlier set an example for other colonies in the region,
including Sri Lanka, spurring nationalist sentiments and calls for self-governance (Meyer, 1996).
The post-independence era saw the formalization of diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Both nations pledged to cooperate on various fronts, including economic development, security,
and cultural exchanges (VIJAYAKUMAR, 2022). The signing of the Sirima-Shastri Pact in
1964, which addressed the repatriation and citizenship of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka,
demonstrated the willingness of both countries to engage in dialogue and find amicable solutions
to complex issues (Phadnis, 1975). However, despite the shared struggle for independence, India
and Sri Lanka experienced moments of strain in their bilateral relations during the later years of the
20th century (Manoharan, 2016 ). The Tamil ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, which escalated in the
1980s, led to India's intervention in an attempt to find a resolution and protect the interests of the
Tamil community. The subsequent deployment of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka
faced challenges and resulted in some tension between the two nations (Destradi, 2012). Overall, the
colonial period laid the groundwork for India-Sri Lanka relations, with both countries' quests for
independence shaping their interactions and setting the stage for the challenges and opportunities that
would define their bilateral ties in the years to come (VIJAYAKUMAR, 2022).
Post-Independence Relations:
In the early years after independence, India and Sri Lanka maintained close ties, with the signing
of the Sirima-Shastri Pact in 1964 being a significant milestone (Phadnis, 1975). This pact
addressed the concerns of repatriation and citizenship of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka's tea
estates and aimed to promote peace and cooperation between the two countries. However,
tensions escalated in the 1980s due to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese
community and the minority Tamil community (Phadnis, 1975).
The Tamil Issue and India's Involvement
The Tamil issue in Sri Lanka became a crucial factor in shaping India-Sri Lanka relations
(Ranjan, 2022). With a sizable ethnic Tamil population and a concern for their welfare, India
intervened in the conflict in the mid-1980s. This intervention led to the signing of the Indo-Sri
Lanka Accord in 1987, which sought to resolve the crisis and address Tamil grievances. The
accord envisaged devolving power to provincial councils and ended up deploying the Indian
Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka (Elias, 2020, Gunewardene, 1991). However, the
IPKF's presence in Sri Lanka faced resistance, and the mission ultimately ended in 1990 without
achieving its intended goals. This period of strained relations left a lasting impact on the two
nations, with Sri Lanka viewing India's intervention as an interference in its internal affairs,
while India faced domestic criticism for its handling of the conflict (Destradi, 2012).
Economic Cooperation and Trade
Despite the challenges in their political relationship, India and Sri Lanka have managed to
maintain robust economic ties. India has been one of Sri Lanka's top trading partners and a
significant source of foreign investment (Jain, 2022). Both countries are members of the South
Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and have signed multiple bilateral agreements to enhance
economic cooperation. Indian investments have been prominent in sectors such as real estate,
tourism, and infrastructure development in Sri Lanka (Jain, 2022, Mukherji, 2013). Furthermore,
India's proximity has facilitated bilateral trade, leading to the establishment of a Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) between the two countries in 2000. The FTA has been a crucial driver of trade
growth, benefiting various industries, including textiles, automobiles, and electronics (Ranjan,
2022).
Strategic Interests
India and Sri Lanka's strategic interests are intertwined due to their geographical proximity in the
Indian Ocean region. Both countries share concerns about maritime security, piracy, and the free
movement of goods and people through vital sea lanes (Manoharan, 2016). The increasing
presence of China in the Indian Ocean has further underscored the importance of a cooperative
relationship between India and Sri Lanka to maintain regional stability and balance (Jain, 2022).
Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean has also drawn the attention of major global
players. The Hambantota Port project, funded by China, became a point of concern for India, as
it raised apprehensions about China's growing influence in Sri Lanka and its potential military
implications (Roy-Chaudhury, 2019).
Cultural Bonds and People-to-People Contacts
Cultural exchanges have played a significant role in strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations.
Buddhism, as one of the major shared religions, continues to foster spiritual connections between
the people of both countries (Sridharan, 2016). Pilgrimage tourism to ancient Buddhist sites in
both countries has been a prominent feature of cultural exchanges (Phadnis, 1975). Moreover,
Indian cinema and television programs are widely popular in Sri Lanka, creating a cultural
bridge between the two nations. Similarly, Sri Lankan literature, music, and dance have found
admirers in India (Jinadasa, 2016).
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the historical ties and shared cultural heritage, India-Sri Lanka relations have faced
challenges over time. The Tamil issue and India's intervention in Sri Lanka's internal affairs
remain sensitive topics that have occasionally strained diplomatic relations (Biswas, 2006). Sri
Lanka's balancing act between India and other external powers, particularly China, has also
posed challenges for the bilateral relationship (Goswami, 2021). To overcome these challenges
and strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations, both countries need to engage in open and transparent
dialogue. Addressing historical grievances and recognizing each other's strategic interests will be
vital in promoting a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership (Ranjan, 2022). Economic
cooperation can be further enhanced through increased investment and trade. India can offer
technical expertise and support for Sri Lanka's infrastructure projects, leading to mutual
economic growth and development (Mukherji, 2013). Cultural ties should also be fostered, as
they provide a strong foundation for people-to-people contacts. Promoting educational
exchanges, cultural events, and tourism can deepen understanding and friendship between the
citizens of both countries (De SilvaII, 2023).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is a multifaceted tapestry woven
with historical, cultural, economic, and strategic threads. Despite occasional challenges, the two
nations have maintained enduring ties that reflect their shared heritage and geographical
proximity.
India's intervention in Sri Lanka during the Tamil conflict underscored the complexity of their
relationship, but it also demonstrated India's commitment to regional stability and the welfare of
its neighbors. Economic cooperation and trade have been a significant driver of engagement,
further binding the two countries together.
Moving forward, addressing past grievances and nurturing cultural bonds will be vital in
strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations. Fostering people-to-people contacts, educational
exchanges, and tourism will deepen mutual understanding and friendship. Additionally, the two
nations must collaborate on addressing shared challenges, such as maritime security and the
presence of external powers in the Indian Ocean region.
By embracing their historical connections and leveraging their complementary strengths, India
and Sri Lanka can forge a brighter future, promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in South
Asia and beyond.
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