Issue Details

INDO-SRI LANKA RELATIONS THROUGH YEARS

ABSTRACT

India and Sri Lanka have shared a complex and multifaceted relationship throughout history. Both countries are geographically close, with the Palk Strait separating them, which has facilitated cultural, economic, and political exchanges. However, despite these similarities, their relations have been marked by both cooperation and conflict. One of the key areas of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka has been in trade and commerce. Historically, India has been a major trading partner for Sri Lanka, with bilateral trade agreements benefiting both nations. Additionally, cultural ties between the two countries have strengthened over time through the exchange of music, dance forms like Bharatanatyam in South India and Kandyan dance in Sri Lanka. However, there have also been instances of conflict between India and Sri Lanka. The most notable example is the civil war that plagued Sri Lanka for nearly three decades. During this period, Tamil separatist groups sought support from Tamil Nadu in southern India to establish an independent state. This led to strained relations between the two countries as India intervened militarily in an attempt to resolve the conflict. In recent years, however, there has been a significant improvement in bilateral relations. Both countries have focused on enhancing economic cooperation through increased trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, there has been a greater emphasis on people-to-people contact through tourism promotion initiatives. In conclusion, while India and Sri Lanka share historical ties that have fostered cooperation in various domains such as trade and culture; they have also faced challenges due to conflicts like the civil war. Nevertheless, recent efforts towards strengthening their relationship indicate a positive trajectory for future collaboration between these neighbouring nations.

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