New Delhi: Sri Lanka has assured that it will not allow any nation to use its territory as a pawn to threaten India’s security. In an interview with ThePrint, Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, asserted that the moratorium on research ships docking at Sri Lankan ports applies to all countries’ vessels.
“We have imposed a blanket moratorium on all research vessels from every nation,” Balasuriya stated. He referenced a remark made by an Indian foreign secretary who likened Sri Lanka to an aircraft carrier off the coast of India, a comparison Balasuriya agreed with.
For the unversed, Balasuriya was in India on Thursday and Friday for the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat hosted by New Delhi. He reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is not used by any country, including China, to undermine India’s security. He also noted that Sri Lanka is focusing on enhancing its own surveillance capabilities.
In August 2022 and October 2023, Sri Lankan ports at Hambantota and Colombo saw visits from two Chinese vessels, Yuan Wang 5 and Shiyan 6, respectively. Despite being officially classified as “research vessels,” these ships have dual-use capabilities—both civilian and military—and are often viewed as spy vessels. For instance, the Yuan Wang 5 is equipped to track ballistic missiles and satellite launches.
In November 2022, the Yuan Wang 6, another research vessel, entered the Indian Ocean just before a scheduled missile test by India. The test was subsequently cancelled and rescheduled.
In response to concerns about these vessels, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in late 2023.
India-Sri Lanka Ties
India and Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed strong ties marked by cultural exchanges, human connections, and trade. Traditionally, both nations held favorable views of each other. However, recent years have seen tensions arise in their relationship, primarily due to China’s increasing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance.
‘Won’t Be Used by China or Any Nation Against India’s Security’: Sri Lanka world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
