India’s foreign policy is based on its national aspirations. In 1967, Rohana Wijeweera referred to this as Indian expansionism, which is based on Indian thought processes.
In such a context, India’s attention to Sri Lanka is very special. This is explicitly or implicitly included in Indian thought processes or national policy. While previous presidents agreed to give everything to India, society is confident that the current government will not do so.
The NPP government is not prepared to fall into that position. They have long emphasised the importance of understanding national dignity as a country. Resources belonging to the country must be protected.
The National People’s Power, led by the JVP, can be considered a group that strongly emphasises this view. Sri Lanka’s challenges cannot be underestimated as a country caught between the systems of America, India, Japan, Australia, and China’s One Belt One Road program.
Importance of Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake goes to India for a two-day visit when the country is trapped in such a situation. This was also his first official diplomatic foreign visit after becoming president.
This visit by Anura Kumara Dissanayake is very important at a time when regional and international politics are heating up. While it’s clear that dealing with India is not at all a novice task for the Sri Lankan President, how a leader of a different thinking force like Anura Kumara Dissanayake will act is a matter of discussion.
Even before the presidential election, Anura Kumara Dissanayake went to India and met with several parties for discussions. It was reported that he joined this tour at the invitation of the Indian government. However, this current visit can be considered an extension of that invitation after becoming President.
During the pre-election visit, Anura Kumara Dissanayake had a lengthy discussion with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. He also met with Indian Cabinet Ministers, the National Security Advisor, and several State Chief Ministers. However, President Anura Dissanayake is officially meeting Prime Minister Modi for the first time.
Hence, this meeting will be crucial for regional politics. India had invited Anura Kumara Dissanayake to visit immediately after the 2024 presidential election results were announced.
Delay in Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India
However, Anura did not proceed to India immediately after receiving the invitation. This was because arrangements were being made to hold parliamentary elections along with the presidential election. “Neighbourhood First” is Prime Minister Modi’s policy.
After the presidential election, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who came to Sri Lanka for a one-day official visit, discussed with President Anura. He also expressed to the President that India would continue to provide support. The Indian Foreign Minister also conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s congratulations on being appointed as the President of Sri Lanka.
India’s Involvement in Projects in Sri Lanka
India has promised to contribute to developing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, investments, power and energy, and dairy industry. The Indian Foreign Minister has stated they will fully support Sri Lanka’s economic revival.
He has also promised to open India’s huge market to Sri Lanka’s economic revival. Anura Dissanayake, the President, also promised to express gratitude for India’s financial assistance during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis and to continue the cooperative program that has existed between the two countries.
Ranil, Adani and PM Modi
As the successor President, Ranil Wickremesinghe visited European countries several times after he came to power. However, he was able to meet the Indian Prime Minister only after about a year in power. Reports indicated that Indian billionaire businessman Gautam Adani mediated to coordinate that meeting, and without such mediation, Ranil Wickremesinghe would not have had the opportunity to meet the Indian Prime Minister.
The False Promise of a University for the Estate Sector
Before meeting the Indian Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe had to go to India and meet Adani. Indian media reported on this, highlighting how unusual it was for a head of state to prioritise meeting a businessman.
Ranil Wickremesinghe went to meet Modi, who was carrying many things. His aircraft contained a large almira decorated with black carvings. He signed various agreements. However, many of these signed agreements did not receive social approval.
Accordingly, Anura Kumara Dissanayake promised during election platforms that all diplomatic relations would be reviewed to protect national aspirations. These statements created a concerning situation regarding Indian investments.
The Adani Group is also somewhat apprehensive. It recently suddenly abandoned its agreement with the US Development Bank to construct the West Terminal of Colombo Port. It has now been announced that the West Terminal will soon begin using only Adani Group investments.
Disadvantageous Agreements for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has entered into numerous project agreements with India, including the Trincomalee oil tanks. Previous governments also signed on to other projects, such as wind power plants and housing programs for low-income earners.
It is widely acknowledged that these agreements have been drafted in ways that are not advantageous to Sri Lanka. There was also strong dialogue within the country regarding the transfer of 15 oil tanks in Trincomalee to India.
Then, the government had to launch massive propaganda by printing leaflets and papers to control the social dialogue regarding this. Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila, who was in charge then, became the most disapproved.
The Challenge of Repaying Billions in Indian Loans
During the Covid pandemic, India provided Sri Lanka with a $4.5 billion concessional loan. Repayment of this loan should begin in 2030. India’s goodwill is significant in resolving Sri Lanka’s current issues.
This situation needs to be managed while protecting national aspirations. According to global geopolitical behaviour, India doesn’t maintain positive transactions with China. However, India has managed to build strong relations with Russia.
India has been chosen as a powerful member of the BRICS alliance, initiated under Russia’s leadership to minimise the dollar’s influence. The BRICS member countries are predicted to become the world’s leading economies by 2050. BRICS represents the biggest challenge to the dollar. India has now created a situation where it uses the rouble to import fossil fuels and chemicals from Russia.
President Anura Meets PM Modi
Anura Kumara Dissanayake is going to India in such a global context. Therefore, Anura’s discussions are more important than previous Sri Lankan presidents’ discussions with India. Moreover, Anura Kumara Dissanayake has received special recognition from India.
Many Indian diplomats gathered at the Gandhi Airport to welcome him. Additionally, flags bearing Anura-Modi images were waved throughout India. Under such circumstances, President Anura landed in India on the afternoon of the 15th.
In this backdrop, Prime Minister Modi and President Anura Dissanayake met at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in a joint press conference.
During this time, President Anura Kumara stated that his visit to India would help strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He also invited the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka.
President Anura’s Statement
At this point, President Anura Dissanayake mentioned that Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis two years ago and greatly appreciated India’s support in overcoming that situation. He also emphasised that Sri Lanka’s territory would never be allowed to be used in ways that would harm India’s security and regional stability. The Sri Lankan President emphasised that he had promised this to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thanking the Indian government for the warm welcome, the Sri Lankan President indicated that he, having come to power based on people’s opinion, is committed to creating sustainable development.
He stated that the Sri Lankan people have acted to provide strong parliamentary power to his force and that this is a historic moment for Sri Lanka. He said they would take steps to create a new political culture and fulfil their responsibility of treating people fairly.
Anura Dissanayake pointed out that the Indian prime Minister’s support is significant for Sri Lanka’s future journey. He stated that he is committed to developing Sri Lanka while maintaining continuous bilateral relations.
He mentioned they discussed investment projects between the two countries, with special attention given to power projects. The President also mentioned discussing agricultural projects, digital economic measures, and their promotion in Sri Lanka.
Throughout this historic visit, several key points emerged:
- The special recognition given to President Anura by India, evidenced by the extensive welcome and display of Anura-Modi flags
- The emphasis on protecting Sri Lanka’s national interests while maintaining strong ties with India
- Discussions on key areas, including power projects, digital economy, and agricultural cooperation
- The commitment to ensure Sri Lankan territory won’t be used against India’s security interests
- The invitation extended to PM Modi to visit Sri Lanka
This visit marks a significant milestone in Indo-Sri Lanka relations, particularly given the NPP government’s historically different stance on foreign relations and its commitment to protecting national resources while maintaining positive international relationships.
The visit demonstrates a careful balance between maintaining strong ties with India while protecting Sri Lanka’s national interests, marking what could be a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka relations under President Anura’s leadership.
