India-Sri Lanka in recent years has been in flux. In this context challenges of the relationship and what it means for India’s Indian Ocean strategy.

Approach:

Introduction:

Throw light on the relationship in flux pointing to constant irritants as well as willingness for cooperation, while relationship status comes in question with the change in government.

Body:

1. What are the challenges in relationship?

• India’s Concern over 13^th amendment and Tamil issue
• Developing port with Japan in Colombo
• Fisherman issues
• China’s increasing role
• Currency swap
• Domestic politics of Tamil Nadu influencing relations

2. Focus on why Indian Ocean is central to Indian geopolitical and security (Draw a map with Sri Lanka in it)

Show how Sri Lank important for:

• Security
• Addressing Chinese threat
• Trade through Indian Ocean
• Other Indian Ocean initiatives in which Sri Lank by its location as role

Conclusion:

End with supporting an approach of talks, aid in the wake of Cocid-19 (vaccine diplomacy), separating India’s approach to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu’s politics prism