UPSC Mains 2022 · GS II · Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

हिन्दी में

‘भारत श्रीलंका का बरसों पुराना मित्र है ।’ पूर्ववर्ती कथन के आलोक में श्रीलंका के वर्तमान संकट में भारत की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “In Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become a coveted prize to win for India and China. Discuss how this competition is affecting relations between India and Sri Lanka.”

Tanmai KhannaAIR 61 · CSE 2022 · 163 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a date or context

Sri Lanka is currently going through its worst economic crisis since Independence. Even in this scenario, it is seeing a competition from India and China to provide aid:

Body · points

→ India provided a $400 million line of credit as well as humanitarian aid, without any predatory tactics, as per the Gujral doctrine.

→ China on the other hand continues to provide loans, even though their debt trap diplomacy may have played a huge role in their current crisis.

→ Sri Lanka cancelled Indo-Japanese project of developing the ECT and gave it to China. It also allowed a Chinese ship to dock near India despite our objections.

Sri Lanka is walking the tightrope between India and China, which is souring our traditional relationship: → Worsening Palk Bay conflict. → Increasing refugee crisis. → Support to China's string of pearls.

Close · a way forward

Thankfully, the Sri Lankan government recognises the value of India as a neighbour and ally, and through cultural exchanges, economic projects, it is re-building our relationship.

3 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.