Chinese influence in Sri Lanka on the Ascend: Impact on Indian geo-strategic interest

Over the last two decades, in the diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka, China has emerged as a vital force in Sri Lanka's military, economic, political and social development. In the contemporary arena, the perceivable reason for Sri Lanka to intensify its affinity to China as a dependable, friendly country is largely due to the hostile approach of the USA and its western allies, particularly sequel to the internecine conflict. As opposed to this situation, China granted huge and generous military and economic covenant free aid to Sri Lanka. Despite the aim of Sri Lanka is claimed to be development orientation, India, being its closest neighbour, views these moves with suspicion and apprehension. The India-Sri Lanka ties have waned to a tenuous bond, while China-Sri Lanka ties have become very strong and important. Sri Lanka, since it gained independence, was part of the geo - political interests of India. In order to free itself from its perceived yoke (India) for a long time, Sri Lanka had established close relationship with the western countries. However, when western countries made policy shifts and placed increased conditions on the economic aid, Sri Lanka gradually began to distance itself from the west. This coincided with China's prosperity and its’ soft approach’. Against this backdrop, this proposal aims at containing the growing influence of China on Sri Lanka, and analyse its impact on Indian Geo-strategic interests.

This study is divided into nine sections, viz., introduction, political cooperation, economic cooperation, trade relations financial assistance, military cooperation, India's geo-strategy and conclusion.