sri-lanka-assures-india-amid-china-s-hambantota-ops

In a major defence cooperation commitment, Sri Lanka assured India today that it would not allow its territory to be used in any way that would compromise India's security.

 

In the joint statement released today, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka reaffirmed Colombo's position and its pledge to New Delhi officials.

 

At a time when China is actively pursuing its "Mission Indian Ocean," which specifically targets India, Colombo gave New Delhi this assurance.

 

China has begun docking its naval surveillance and spy ships at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port, which it seized when Colombo failed to pay off its debt to China. Because of Sri Lanka's proximity to India, Beijing has repeatedly placed its 25,000-ton satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at Hambantota during the past two years, which is counterproductive to New Delhi's interests.

 

After New Delhi raised its concerns about Colombo in August 2022, Sri Lanka first asked that Beijing defer its initial arrival and stop engaging in such activities. However, the Chinese ship was eventually allowed to port for "replenishment." Since then, the Chinese spying and surveillance vessels have been often visiting Hambantota and monitoring the Indian Ocean region. 

 

With a robust tracking, sensing and communication relay system the Yuan Wang 5 is capable of detecting foreign satellites, aerial assets and missile systems.

 

After Colombo was unable to pay back $100 million a year for the $1.7 billion loan it had taken out to build the port, the first phase of which was finished in 2010, China had taken over the Hambantota port for a 99-year lease.

 

Sri Lankan territory, including its waters, would "not be used in any manner inimical to the security of India," according to the agreement reached today with India. Additionally, none of the operations might negatively affect the stability of the region.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held a comprehensive meeting in New Delhi today, discussing all aspects of bilateral relations in depth.

The two leaders reiterated that India-Sri Lanka's bilateral partnership has its foundation on profound cultural and civilisational ties, geographical proximity, and people-to-people contacts.