India-China-Sri Lanka Triangle

Context: Recently, the Chinese Foreign Minister (CFM) visited Sri Lanka which marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Rubber-Rice Pact and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka ties.
Key highlights of CFM visit

• Firstly, he said that no “third country” should “interfere” in China-Sri Lanka ties. This was in reference to India’s concerns over China’s strategic projects in Sri Lanka.
• Secondly, he proposed a “Forum on the development of Indian Ocean island Countries” to build consensus and synergy, and promote common development.
• Thirdly, the Sri Lankan President has urged China to restructure Sri Lanka’s debt and help the country cope with the economic strain. Currently,  Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis of a persisting dollar crunch, soaring living costs and a shortage of essentials in the import-reliant island nation.
• Fourthly, he said that the two sides should make good use of “the two engines”, referring to the China-backed Colombo Port City in Colombo and the Hambantota Port on the island’s Southern Province. He also urged Sri Lanka to tap the opportunities of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP).

India’s Concerns

Opposition to SAGAR Initiative: The proposed Indian Ocean island countries forum sounded in opposition to Prime Minister of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.

• SAGAR is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Issues Emanating from Two Engines of Growth: China has formal control over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port as a part of a 99-year lease.

• Sri Lanka has decided to establish a Special Economic Zone around the Colombo port city and a new economic commission, to be funded by China.
• The Colombo port handles 60% of India’s trans-shipment cargo.
• Leasing of Hambantota and the Colombo Port City project makes it almost certain for the Chinese navy to have a permanent presence in the Indian Ocean which will be worrisome for India’s national security.
• This Chinese strategy to encircle India is referred to as the Strings of Pearls Strategy.

Influencing India’s Neighbours: Other South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives have also been turning to China to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.
Road Ahead

• Preserving Strategic Interests: Nurturing the Neighbourhood First policy with Sri Lanka is important for India to preserve its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
• Taking Advantage of Regional Platforms: Platforms like the BIMSTEC, SAARC, SAGAR and the IORA could be leveraged to foster cooperation in fields like technology-driven agriculture, marine sector development, IT & communication infrastructure etc.
• Restraining Chinese Expansion: India will need to continue to work on the Kankesanturai port in Jaffna and the oil tank farm project in Trincomalee to ensure that China does not make any further inroads in Sri Lanka.