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Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Context:
During his first bilateral visit overseas since his reappointment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday and commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, funded by a $6 million grant from India.
More on News:
- The $6 million MRCC initiative, funded by India, enhances maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
- It comprises seven unmanned installations strategically located at Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro, and Mollikulam.
- Established by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the MRCC serves as Sri Lanka’s central hub for sea search and rescue operations, with Sri Lankan Navy teams trained in Bengaluru and Colombo.
About India-Srilanka Relation:
Historical Ties:
- Cultural and Religious Links: Buddhism introduced by Emperor Ashoka’s son Mahindra in the 3rd century BCE, establishing strong cultural ties.
- The Chola dynasty of South India influenced Sri Lankan art, architecture, and language during the 10th century CE.
- Colonial and Post-Independence Era: Both countries gained independence from British rule in 1947 and 1948, respectively, with India aiding Sri Lanka in establishing democratic institutions.
- The formation of LTTE in 1976 led to an armed conflict with the Sri Lankan armed forces from 1983 to 2009, affecting bilateral relations.
- Conflict and Cooperation: India-Sri Lanka Agreement (1987) to enact the 13th amendment and deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.
- Assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi (1991) altered India’s stance on Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict.
- The Civil War ended through a military operation in 2009.
Significance of Sri Lanka to India:
- Strategic and Military Importance: Sri Lanka’s location in the Indian Ocean is crucial for India’s security and naval operations between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
- Important for India’s Indian Ocean strategy and regional influence.
- Economic Ties: In 2021, India emerged as Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, with the total bilateral merchandise trade reaching US$ 5.45 billion.
- The previous year, 2020, saw merchandise trade between the two countries amounting to US$ 3.6 billion.
- Geopolitical Importance: Concerns over China’s growing presence and investments in Sri Lankan ports, posing potential military threats.
Engagement in Various Fields:
- Economic Cooperation: India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) in 2000 significantly expanded bilateral trade.
- Sri Lanka is a major recipient of Indian development assistance, totaling close to USD 3 billion.
- Cultural Relations: Buddhism has a strong connector, with joint commemorations and cultural exchange programs.
- Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo promotes Indian culture and organises the International Yoga Day.
- Development Cooperation: Indian Housing Project for war-affected and estate workers.
- Projects in education, ambulance services, small and medium enterprise development, and training.
- Defence and Security Cooperation: Indo-Sri Lankan Defence Dialogue since 2012, joint Military (Mitra Shakti) and Naval exercises (SLINEX).
- Infrastructure Development: Agreements for hybrid power projects and various development projects at Kankesanthurai and Trincomalee ports.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Membership in organisations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- Colombo Security Conclave: Founded in 2020 to expand the trilateral maritime cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius joined during the fifth meeting in Male, March 2022.
- Observer States: Bangladesh and Seychelles
- Cooperation Pillars:
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- Maritime safety and security
- Countering terrorism and radicalisation
- Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
- Cyber-security and protection of critical infrastructure
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
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Existing Challenges:
- Strategic Issues: Increased Chinese presence through the Maritime Silk Route (MSR) policy and investments in ports like Colombo and Hambantota.
- Fishermen Dispute: Concerns over illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests and tensions.
- Katchatheevu Island Dispute: Sovereignty issues and fishing rights disputes over the Katchatheevu island.
- Tamil Interests: India’s expectations for Tamil equality and devolution of powers per the 13th amendment remain unaddressed by Colombo.
- Political Instability: Frequent changes in Sri Lankan government affecting bilateral engagements and policy implementation.
India’s Role in 2022 Economic Crisis:
- Economic Assistance: India provided USD 4.5 billion in aid and supported Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts.
- Opportunities for Indian exports and investments in Sri Lankan infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
- Defence Support: Provision of Floating Dock Facility and Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft to boost security in the Indian Ocean region.
Measures for Improved Ties:
- Bilateral Solutions: Address the fishermen dispute and finalise the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- Cultural and Traditional Ties: Enhance traditional and cultural connections to strengthen bilateral relations.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Initiate ferry services to improve people-to-people linkages and mutual recognition of concerns for better cooperation.