Answer:

Introduction:

India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding friendship, with close cultural, economic, and political ties. India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka has been shaped by this relationship, with India providing support to Sri Lanka in areas such as COVID-19 response, economic challenges, and diplomatic engagement.

Body:

Reason for crisis in Sri Lanka:

• Ethnic tensions: Sri Lanka has a long history of ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil communities.
• Discrimination: Tamil minorities have faced discrimination in education, employment, and government representation.
• Civil war: A 26-year civil war between the government and the Tamil Tigers ended in 2009, but it left deep scars and divisions.
• Power struggles: Political power struggles between different factions have led to instability and a lack of effective governance.
• Economic challenges: High levels of debt and unemployment, coupled with corruption and mismanagement, have contributed to economic instability.
• COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has further exacerbated economic challenges and political tensions.
• International pressure: The international community has called for accountability for human rights abuses during the civil war, which has complicated efforts towards reconciliation and stability.

Role of India During Sri Lanka Crisis:

• COVID-19 assistance: India has provided medical supplies and equipment to Sri Lanka to support its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Economic support: India has extended lines of credit and provided financial assistance to Sri Lanka to address its economic challenges.
• Diplomatic engagement: India has engaged in diplomatic efforts to support stability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission..
• Defense cooperation: India has provided training and support to the Sri Lankan armed forces to enhance their capabilities and improve maritime security.
• Cultural ties: India and Sri Lanka share strong cultural ties, and India has supported cultural exchanges and preservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion:

India has played a significant role in supporting Sri Lanka during the recent crisis, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. To ensure long-term stability, India must continue to support reconciliation and economic development in Sri Lanka while respecting its sovereignty.