Jaishankar's High-Stakes Visit to Sri Lanka: A Test of India's Neighbourhood First Policy
In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which ravaged Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to touch down in Colombo on December 23 as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This high-level diplomatic engagement marks a critical juncture in India's Neighbourhood First Policy, a strategy that has been put to the test by the devastating cyclone and its far-reaching implications for regional dynamics.
According to sources, Jaishankar's visit is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on December 1. During this call, Modi expressed condolences for the loss of lives and devastation, while assuring India's continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, a comprehensive disaster relief initiative launched by India in response to the cyclone.
Operation Sagar Bandhu has so far demonstrated India's efficacy as a first responder in regional crises. The swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material has earned gratitude from President Dissanayake, who acknowledged India's timely and effective response efforts. This engagement, however, is not merely a humanitarian exercise; it is a deliberate attempt by India to reassert its influence in the Indian Ocean region.
The visit comes amid a flurry of high-level engagements in Colombo, with China's Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji arriving on December 23 for a two-day visit. This near-simultaneous presence of both India and China in Sri Lanka serves as a stark reminder of the island nation's strategic importance in the region. For Sri Lanka, this visit provides tangible relief support during a critical recovery period, while also reinforcing its access to support from major regional powers during times of crisis.
For India-Sri Lanka relations, the high-level nature of the visit, with Jaishankar serving as Special Envoy, demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties beyond routine diplomatic channels. It positions India as a reliable first responder in regional emergencies and underscores the importance of its Neighbourhood First Policy. The visit is also expected to facilitate ongoing engagement between Colombo and New Delhi on economic stabilisation, humanitarian support, and regional cooperation.
The implications of Jaishankar's visit extend beyond the bilateral relationship, however. It marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to reassert its influence in the Indian Ocean region, a theatre of great strategic importance. With China rapidly expanding its presence in the region, India's Neighbourhood First Policy offers a compelling counter-narrative. By positioning itself as a reliable and effective partner in regional crises, India seeks to establish itself as a major player in the Indian Ocean's geopolitics.
As Jaishankar touches down in Colombo on December 23, the stage is set for a high-stakes diplomatic engagement that will have far-reaching implications for regional dynamics. This visit is not merely a humanitarian exercise; it is a test of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, a strategy that seeks to reassert India's influence in the Indian Ocean region. The world will be watching as Jaishankar engages with the top leadership of Sri Lanka, marking a new milestone in Operation Sagar Bandhu and underscoring India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
📰 Source: The Hindu - National
