Sri Lanka (India's Neighbours)

📌 Background & Key Features

• Proximity ties: Shared Buddhist heritage, the Tamil ethnic question rooted in domestic Tamil Nadu politics, and periodic fishermen-arrest disputes across the Palk Strait.
• India’s support: ~US$4 billion financial assistance during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic/debt crisis, positioning India as a "first responder" ahead of China.
• Strategic stakes: Countering Chinese presence at Hambantota Port (99-year lease) and Colombo Port City; India pushing infrastructure alternatives and a proposed Ram Setu/land-bridge connectivity idea.

📋 Quick Facts

📰 Current Affairs Linkage (2025-26)

• 2025 marked a turning point in ties — the Dissanayake-led NPP government (seen as more China-leaning during its campaign) has instead pursued balanced engagement, signing a five-year Defence MoU with India and conducting SLINEX-25 (Aug 2025).
• India sent Buddha relics for Vesak Day 2025 celebrations and provided major humanitarian assistance after Cyclone Ditwah, reinforcing cultural and disaster diplomacy.
• The HSC Cheriyapani ferry (Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai) revived direct people-to-people connectivity after a 40-year gap.

📝 PYQs for Practice (Mains)