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.