India Sri Lanka relations - latest update
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India Sri Lanka relations - An update
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- The story: India will help Sri Lanka implement a ‘Unitary Digital Identity framework’ modelled on the Aadhaar card. This is the first instance of India helping another country build its own "Aadhar".
- Key points: Under the proposed Unitary Digital Identity Framework, it is expected to introduce a personal identity verification device based on biometric data, a digital tool that can represent the identities of individuals in cyberspace, and the identification of individual identities that can be accurately verified in digital and physical environments by combining the two devices. The initiative follows bilateral talks between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2019.
- It also comes amid substantive economic assistance from India – totalling $ 1.4 billion since the beginning of this year – to Sri Lanka, to help the island nation cope with its dollar crunch, and import food, medicines and fuel amid frequent shortages.
- This is not the first time that Sri Lanka is attempting to digitise its citizens’ identities. Just a few years ago, the predecessor Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, in power from 2015 to 2019, mooted a similar Electronic-National Identity Card — or E-NIC —that privacy advocates opposed on grounds that the state would have full access to citizens’ personal data in a central database.
- The former Mahinda Rajapaksa government tried initiating the project as early as 2011. Neither project was implemented.
- History of India-Sri Lanka relations: The relationship is more than 2,500 years old. Both countries have a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction.
- In recent times, the relationship has been marked by close contacts at all levels. Trade and investment have grown and there is cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence.
- Both countries share a broad understanding on major issues of international interest. In recent years, significant progress in implementation of developmental assistance projects for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and disadvantaged sections of the population in Sri Lanka has helped further cement the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
- The nearly three-decade long armed conflict between Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE came to an end in May 2009. During the course of the conflict, India supported the right of the Government of Sri Lanka to act against terrorist forces. At the same time, it conveyed its deep concern at the plight of the civilian population, emphasizing that their rights and welfare should not get enmeshed in hostilities against the LTTE.
- The need for national reconciliation through a political settlement of the ethnic issue has been reiterated by India at the highest levels. India's consistent position is in favour of a negotiated political settlement, which is acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka and which is consistent with democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights.
- Chinese footprint: India and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a cordial relationship since their independence. In the post-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) era, the neighbours align over key security and economic objectives. Over the last few years, Chinese footprint has increased dramatically in the region.
- Sri Lanka’s embrace of China largely stems from two factors. First, Sri Lankans continue to be suspicious about India’s motives vis-a-vis the Tamil cause.
- Second, India’s slow bureaucratic processes that delay approvals incite suspicions of India’s commitment to Sri Lanka. Indian government should work towards these areas to make better relations with Sri Lanka.
- Summary: India's own backyard needs to be geopolitically secured first, before venturing out to the larger world. Excellent relations with Sri Lanka will be the first step in that direction.
- EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) Despite enjoying cordial relations historically, India and Sri Lanka have seen some bitterness in bilateral relations in recent times. Why? Analyse. (2) Comment on India-Sri Lanka relations in the light of growing influence of China on the island nation. Is it a deal-breaker or a temporary phase? Explain.
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