Lanka Prez treads a geopolitical tightrope
The New Indian Express Hubballi|January 06, 2025
China has invested heavily in Sri Lanka, and India has, too, and the competing interests need careful management. A single wrong move may prove costly for the new administration
DILRUKSHI HANDUNNETTI

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake walked the diplomatic tightrope in December when he made his first international visit as the island nation's new president to New Delhi.

Dissanayake's party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of old, is known for both anti-India sentiments and strong opposition to the India-brokered 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution that sought to devolve power to the provinces, which the JVP felt was a provision aiding separatism in the Tamil majority areas.

This discomfort apart, the discussions went smoothly, and the political pragmatism of choosing Delhi over Beijing is a message that the JVP/NPP has a softened and practical approach towards India.

India meanwhile is increasingly concerned about China's overtures to neighbouring countries and, as far as Sri Lanka goes, Beijing's economic and military influence. China's "research vessels" are disconcerting to India and there have been a few docking close to Colombo. In December, President Dissanayake assured Indian leaders that he would prevent anyone from using Sri Lankan territory for activities inimical to India's interests.

Relations with China became strained when the island's economy hit rock bottom and loans could not be serviced. It had taken time and effort to reach an agreement with Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender before chalking a contract with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sri Lanka owes Beijing a hefty $4.2 billion in debt, restructured in October 2023, marking a key milestone in the nation's path to economic recovery.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Hubballi dergisinin January 06, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Hubballi dergisinin January 06, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS HUBBALLI DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Ola Electric shares fall 7% amid insolvency petition

SHARES of Ola Electric Mobility fell over 7% to hit a record low on Monday after the company reported that one of its units faced an insolvency petition.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Boxing set to be part of LA 2028

BOXING is set to be among the sports at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a new governing body was selected, IOC chief Thomas Bach said on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Barca claim priceless come-from-behind win

BARCELONA battled back from two goals down to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and land an important blow in the Spanish title race on Sunday.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Lithuania ties Russia to 2024 arson attack at Ikea store

LITHUANIAN prosecutors on Monday blamed the Russian military intelligence service for being behind the arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius last year, calling it \"an act of terrorism\".

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Net direct tax collections rise 13% to ₹21.26 lakh cr in FY25

NET direct tax collections in 2024-25 (till 16 March 2025) have jumped 13% to ₹21.26 lakh crore compared to ₹18.80 lakh crore in the same period previous year, largely driven by strong growth in personal income tax collections.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Don't Sit For Too Long, Stretch Every 45 Min

Pain is a universal experience that most people encounter at some point in their lives. Whether it strikes suddenly, like a sharp, unexpected ache, or lingers as a persistent, nagging discomfort, pain can significantly disrupt daily life and overall well-being.

time-read
2 dak  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

'My Peak Is Yet To Come'

A week after the Champions Trophy triumph, spinner Varun talks about his India comeback, what this victory means and his way forward. Gomesh S took notes during a candid chat...

time-read
4 dak  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Ex-Union minister Dr Debendra Pradhan no more

BJP leader and former Union minister Dr Debendra Pradhan, 84, passed away at the official residence of his son Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

THE GROWING CRISIS OF RAGGING IN KERALA

AGGING in Kerala's educational institutions has become an organised crime, which at times is facilitated by drug abuse. Despite the strict laws to counter such brutalities, many educational institutions choose not to report such incidents.

time-read
3 dak  |
March 18, 2025
The New Indian Express Hubballi

Bombay HC discharges case against Adanis

THE Bombay High Court has dismissed a SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) case against Adani group Chairman Gautam Adani and his younger brother and managing director of Adani Enterprises, Rajesh Adani, in a ₹388 crore alleged market regulation violation case.

time-read
1 min  |
March 18, 2025