Sri Lanka's Strong Assurance to India Amid Rising Chinese Influence at Hambantota Port
In a significant diplomatic development, Sri Lanka has assured India that its territory will not be used in any way that could threaten India’s security. This pledge comes at a time when China’s strategic maneuvers in the Indian Ocean region are intensifying, notably through its activities at the Hambantota Port.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka reaffirmed this commitment in a joint statement with New Delhi, solidifying the country's stance on defense cooperation. The assurance is seen as crucial, given China's growing presence in the region, particularly at Hambantota, which Beijing has effectively taken control of through a 99-year lease after Sri Lanka struggled to repay Chinese loans.
For the past two years, China has stationed its naval surveillance ships at Hambantota, including the Yuan Wang 5, a 25,000-tonne satellite and missile tracking vessel. This has been a matter of concern for New Delhi, given the proximity of Sri Lanka to India and the potential security implications of such foreign military operations in the region. The Yuan Wang 5, equipped with advanced tracking and communication technologies, can monitor satellites, aerial assets, and missile systems, raising alarms in India.
The diplomatic tension escalated in 2022 when Sri Lanka initially requested China to delay the ship's arrival after India expressed its concerns. However, the Chinese vessel was later allowed to dock for "replenishment," signaling a complex balancing act for Colombo between its economic ties with China and its strategic relations with India.
In today's official dialogue in New Delhi, both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Disanayaka underscored the importance of their bilateral ties, which are rooted in shared cultural, historical, and geographical connections. The leaders also acknowledged India's pivotal role in assisting Sri Lanka during its severe economic crisis in 2022, strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Looking ahead, the two countries are working on concluding a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement, with an emphasis on regional stability and security. The new agreement underscores that Sri Lanka’s territory, including its waters, will not be used for any operations that could harm India’s security or destabilize the region.
As Sri Lanka navigates its complex geopolitical relationships, this pledge to India marks a significant step in reaffirming its strategic partnership with its neighbor while balancing the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean.