Editorial 2 : A Tale of Two Visits
Context: PM Modi’s Sri Lanka, BIMSTEC (in Thailand) visits in April
Significance of the Visits
- Strategic Alignment
- The visits are aligned with India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR (maritime cooperation), and Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Thailand’s Look West policy synergizes with India’s Act East approach.
- Geopolitical Focus
- BIMSTEC: Strengthens India’s role in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Sri Lanka: Sril Lanka is critical for India’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean.
BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
- Key Objectives
- Vision 2030: Adoption of a roadmap for a Prosperous, Resilient, Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030. Focus on peace, stability, and economic sustainability.
- Reforms: Implementation of recommendations by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to revitalize BIMSTEC.
- Maritime Cooperation: Likely signing of a Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement.
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- There is slow progress despite a signed framework.
- It will require political impetus to accelerate negotiations.
- India, as the largest contributor to BIMSTEC’s budget, could lead discussions.
- India and BIMSTEC
- Leadership: India hosts BIMSTEC centres for climate (Noida) and energy (Bengaluru) and has offered to establish 3 more centres i.e. agriculture, disaster management, maritime transport.
- Bilateral Engagements: BIMSTEC will provide a platform for potential meeting with Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus to strengthen ties.
- Northeast Development: Inclusion of Thailand and Myanmar boosts connectivity and economic opportunities for India’s Northeast.
PM’s Visit to Sri Lanka
- Key Agenda Items
- Energy Cooperation
- Sampur Solar Power Project: 120 MW joint venture between NTPC (India) and Ceylon Electricity Board (Sri Lanka).
- Long-term goals: Electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipeline.
- Development Projects
- PM will travel to Anuradhapura for cultural and development initiatives.
- Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm: Discussions on a joint venture to upgrade facilities and position Sri Lanka as a global oil hub.
- Fishermen Issue
- There is a need for humane treatment of Tamil Nadu fishermen straying into Sri Lankan waters.
- Explore alternatives like deep-sea fishing.
- Assurances from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan President’s commitment to prevent use of Sri Lankan territory against India’s security.
- This is critical for sustaining regional stability and strategic trust.
Regional Implications of the Two Visits
- Countering China: Strengthening ties with Sri Lanka and BIMSTEC nations reinforces India’s role as a preferred partner in development and security.
- Economic Integration: BIMSTEC’s success could counterbalance SAARC’s stagnation, enhancing India’s regional influence.
- Maritime Security: Collaboration under MAHASAGAR enhances India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Conclusion: India engagements in the region reflect a blend of economic pragmatism, security prioritization, and cultural diplomacy, aligning with its broader geopolitical ambitions.