Sponsor Area

Contemporary South Asia

Question
CBSEENPO12040506

Explain India-Sri Lanka relations.

Solution
The relations are as explained below:

1. The bone of contention between Sri Lanka and India have been ethnic conflicts in Sri Lanka.

2. The Sinhalese majority has been following a policy of discrimination against the Tamils of Indian origin. The government of India tried to negotiate with Sri Lankan government to protect the interests of the Tamils, as it find difficult to remain neutral when Tamils are politically unhappy and are being killed.

3. In 1987 India sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force which was not liked by the Sri Lankans. They treated this as an interference in their internal affairs. Ethnic conflict is still going on but India now prefers a policy of disengagement vis-a-vis Sri,Lanka’s internal troubles.

4. India has now signed a free trade agreement with Sri Lanka. India has helped Sri Lanka in post-tsunami reconstruction. Thus, the relations between the two countries have improved.