Strengthening Bonds: How India is Enhancing Relations with Indian Ocean Neighbors Amidst Cooling Land Borders

New Delhi’s diplomatic landscape is shifting. While ties with Bangladesh weaken and tensions with Pakistan heighten after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India is focusing on strengthening relations with its neighbors across the Indian Ocean.

Recently, Sri Lanka experienced a severe salt crisis due to unexpected heavy rains that devastated salt-producing regions. Areas like Puttalam, which usually contributes 60% of the country’s salt, faced huge losses. Over 15,000 metric tonnes of salt were washed away, pushing prices up to SLR400 per kilo.

Gayan Wellala, chairman of Sri Lanka’s National Salt Limited, reported a significant drop in expected salt harvests. From an anticipated 35,000 tonnes in the Yala season, only 8,000 tonnes were harvested due to the rains.

In response, India stepped in, sending 3,050 metric tonnes of salt to Sri Lanka. This shipment, organized by India’s Ministry of Commerce, underscores New Delhi’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy, which aims to provide timely assistance to neighboring countries in crisis.

India has also extended a helping hand to the Maldives. The deadline for a $50 million Treasury bill issued by the Maldivian government has been extended for another year. This was part of a broader budget support package from India, reflecting ongoing financial cooperation since 2019. According to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, this assistance has a direct positive impact on the lives of Maldivians.

During a recent high-level meeting, Khaleel commended India for its support and expressed Maldives’ solidarity in combating terrorism. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties, despite the ongoing challenges in the region. Experts like Nisha Taneja from ICRIER suggest enhancing economic interaction between India and Sri Lanka, as both countries can benefit from a collaborative approach to growth.

Smruti Pattanaik from the Manohar Parrikar Institute noted that India’s aid is tailored to meet the unique needs of each neighboring country. The recent diplomatic gestures highlight a shift towards practical cooperation, prioritizing essential support for smaller nations while managing more complex relationships with others.

India’s active engagement with Sri Lanka and the Maldives illustrates a commitment to regional stability and ties rooted in mutual growth. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, these partnerships may play crucial roles in shaping the future of South Asia.

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