Generally a friendly relation has existed between India and Sri Lanka. However, the Sri Lankan civil war and inefficiency of the Indian government in intervening during the civil war marred this amicable relation. Both the nations have maintained diplomatic ties since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. A healthy bilateral relation was established by the then Prime Minister of India- Indira Gandhi and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka- Sirimavo Bandaranaike. An agreement signed on 29th July, 1987 between the then Prime minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi and the then President of Sri Lanka, J.R. Jayewardene to address three controversial issues: people of Indian origin in Sri Lanka, strategic interests, rights of Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. The Rajiv-Jayewardene Accord, as the agreement is popularly known, led to some unfortunate events. With the signing of the agreement India got engaged in a war with a separatist organization of Sri Lanka called, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. A special peace keeping force called the IPKF was employed to curb the LTTE. Around 1200 Indian soldiers gave their life fighting. Further, India felt insulted when Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa, demanded for the withdrawal of the IPKF even before the completion of the mission. India’s sentiments received the hardest blow when Rajiv Gandhi was killed by the LTTE. The killing was masterminded by LTTE chief, V. Prabakaran. The incident led to withdrawal of support that Tamil Militants enjoyed in Tamil Nadu. India acted less actively in issues related to Sri Lanka’s Tamil Militants. However, the LTTE was finally crushed by the Sri Lanka with India’s support in 2009. A free trade agreement was signed between both the nations in 2000. Since then the two neighbours have witnessed positive growth rate in trade. Further, both the nations being members of organizations like South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, SAARC, South Asian Economic Union and BIMSTEC are making effort to strengthen commercial and cultural ties. India has willingly cooperated with Sri Lanka for the latter’s development in areas of education, health, etc.
India and sri lankan relations have been very easy going and efforts are being taken up to strengthen the relations. Since both the nations are members of SAARC they share commonness. Both the nations have similar cultural habits as they share common heritage. the Indian army has helped sri lanka during the rehab programmes at the time of tsunami. The victims were helped with supply of basic amenities.
both the nations have been going well together so far. both india and srilanka share ancient history along with cultures and traditions. the relations have never gone down and recently india and srilanka both jointly busted out the LTTE terror group which is a good sign of promissory relations in future.
indo-lankan relations have been very mild without much doings from both the sides. both the nations do practice military joint exercises but there is not much political binding between both the nations since long time. however recently srilankan presindent was seen to be sitting along indian president and watching cricket world cup.. which was a sign of good relations
Since few days the relationship with Sri Lanka have not been good. The issue with sri lanka have come up in which indian tamilians complain about the atrocities of indian tamilians in the host country. But India seems to be quiet on the issues with sri lanka for fear of losing tie-ups with it. Do you think India should go ahead and intervene into these issues and ask sri lanka to act rightful?
India srilankan relations aren't going hand in hand in the recent days. India is facing the brunt of srilankan army for the arrests of tamilian fishermen they are making. Sri Lanka on the other hand is reluctant to talk on this issue and justify their action by accusing tamilian fishermen venturing into srilankan waters and taking away their resources.
