India s Strategic Responses to Chinese Influences in Sri Lanka

The geographical location of Sri Lanka assumes a crucial role in upholding India's security interests. Positioned at the nexus of maritime trade routes connecting West and East Asia, as well as linking Africa, the Arab region, and the Eastern world, Sri Lanka is integral to the maritime journeys of merchant ships travelling from the ports of Kolkata and Yangon to the Suez Canal. Sri Lanka is strategically located in the Indo-Pacific region. Its southern tip is a vital chokepoint for global trade and energy, as it is the gateway to the Straits of Malacca, which is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. China is heavily dependent on oil from the Arabian Gulf, and 80% of its oil imports pass through the Straits of Malacca. This makes Sri Lanka a strategically important asset for China, as it could be used to control the flow of oil through the Straits of Malacca. This paper tries to focus on India’s role and explores various roles for India, where India can significantly enhance its influence in Sri Lanka by strategically focusing on economic cooperation. Until the 2021 economic crisis, China was still seen to be ahead of India in this aspect. Increasing grants, developmental aids, and expanding the items imported under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Keywords:
International Politics, International Politics, South Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka