India-Sri Lanka relations

How the Katchatheevu Island Controversy Impacts India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ Diplomacy 

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How the Katchatheevu Island Controversy Impacts India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ Diplomacy 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent tweet condemning the Congress Party’s decision to accept Sri Lanka’s sovereignty claims over Katchatheevu Island, situated in the Palk Strait, back in 1974, has sparked a major political controversy. He accused the opposition Congress party of weakening India’s “unity, integrity and interest” through this “callous” decision. Sharing this sentiment, … Read more

The India Factor in Sri Lanka’s Renewable Energy Sector

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The India Factor in Sri Lanka’s Renewable Energy Sector

On March 1, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Government of Sri Lanka, and U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions from India signed an agreement for the construction of hybrid renewable energy systems on Nainativu, Delft (Neduntheevu), and Analaitivu islands situated in the Palk Bay. The three facilities which will have a combined renewable energy capacity … Read more

Why Did India’s Defense Minister Cancel His Trip to Sri Lanka?

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Why Did India’s Defense Minister Cancel His Trip to Sri Lanka?

Members of opposition Congress party, demanding an investigation into allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by India’s Adani Group hold placards with images of Indian businessman Gautam Adani during a protest in New Delhi, India, Monday, Feb.6, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup Advertisement Last week, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera presented … Read more

India-Sri Lanka Vision Document: Old Wine, New Bottle?

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India-Sri Lanka Vision Document: Old Wine, New Bottle?

Advertisement Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s much-awaited visit to India between July 20 and 21 was hailed by the Indian and Sri Lankan media and pundits as a great success. However, a close reading of the outcomes of the visit shows no real breakthroughs. Wickremesinghe’s visit to New Delhi was long overdue; it came a … Read more

‘Joint Vision’ With India Raises Concerns in Sri Lanka

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‘Joint Vision’ With India Raises Concerns in Sri Lanka

Advertisement In late July, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe made his first visit to India since taking office. His remarks at an Indian CEOs’ Forum in Colombo ahead of his trip gave a clue to the scope of the agreements to be disclosed in New Delhi. Once the country’s debt restructuring process was completed, he … Read more

India’s Foreign Policy Progress in Sri Lanka is a Strategic Setback for China

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India’s Foreign Policy Progress in Sri Lanka is a Strategic Setback for China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe after making press statement respectively, in New Delhi, India, Friday, July 21, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup Advertisement It was only a year ago that Sri Lanka dominated international headlines, as its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years contributed to … Read more

Sri Lankan President Visits India, Highlights Close Relations

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Sri Lankan President Visits India, Highlights Close Relations

Advertisement Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an official visit to India last month. It was his first trip to India since taking over as president of the Indian Ocean island state. Wickremesinghe came to power amid social and political upheaval as Sri Lanka went through its worst economic crisis last year. During the visit, … Read more

Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India Signals Growing Economic and Energy Ties

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Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India Signals Growing Economic and Energy Ties

Advertisement Sri Lanka and India signed a series of energy, development and trade agreements on Friday, signaling growing economic ties between the neighboring countries. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi a day earlier for the official visit, his first since taking up the top job last year after an economic meltdown forced … Read more

India as a Lender of Last Resort

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India as a Lender of Last Resort

Advertisement In 2022, as Sri Lanka’s economy entered into its biggest crisis since independence, the emergency financing extended or facilitated by India amounted to about $4 billion. Sri Lanka used about $3.3 billion during the course of the year, especially in the tumultuous first seven months. India became Sri Lanka’s lender of last resort even … Read more