Sri Lanka Looks to India for Trade, Security & ‘Viksit Bharat’ Partnership

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has voiced Sri Lanka’s keenness to forge a stronger partnership with India, aligning with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. At a recent function, she emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation in trade, maritime security, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. Amarasuriya articulated Sri Lanka’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean region where all nations can pursue their interests peacefully. She addressed the persistent challenges in the relationship, specifically the issue of Indian fishermen operating in Sri Lankan waters and engaging in harmful practices like bottom trawling, which deeply affects local communities. The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of a sensitive approach and sustainable resolutions to safeguard the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen. She expressed confidence in both governments’ dedication to resolving these matters through empathetic dialogue and mutual respect, highlighting the maturity of the bilateral relationship. Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a vital maritime hub for the Indian Ocean and a cost-efficient partner for India’s international trade, leveraging its deep-water ports. Amarasuriya suggested that Sri Lanka could naturally complement India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ aspirations by serving as a strategic partner and trade gateway. She called for continued collaboration on maritime security issues, including combating drug trafficking and piracy, and on energy security through renewable energy development, emphasizing that collective action is vital for regional progress. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s critical role in Sri Lanka’s economic revival, referencing the established Free Trade Agreement and the potential for further economic integration. She proposed that Sri Lanka could serve as a complementary production base for Indian industries aiming for global manufacturing leadership under ‘Viksit Bharat,’ particularly in sectors like textiles, electronics, and food processing.