Context: Sri Lanka has imposed a one-year ban on Chinese “research vessels” operating in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Why Has Sri Lanka Banned Chinese Research Vessels From Its Ports?

• The move will reportedly bar the “deep water exploration” by China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 vessel, scheduled for January 5, in the south Indian Ocean. 
• Response to US and India Concerns: Earlier, India and the United States expressed concerns over Sri Lanka’s accommodation of Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean, along with providing them logistical support.

Why Does India Object to Chinese Vessels Docking in Sri Lanka?

• India considers Chinese ships docked so close to its mainland a security threat, and suspects they could be used for snooping, even when their stated aim is scientific research.

Significance:

• Diplomatically, it would mean a major win for India’s efforts to stall China’s maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean.

Importance of Indian Ocean: 

• Geographical relevance: The Indian Ocean is the third largest Ocean covering about 20% of the earth’s surface. 
  • It is nearly 10,000 km wide at the southern tips of Africa and Australia and extends nearly 13,500 km from the Persian Gulf to Antarctica.
  • IOR stretches from the Suez Canal to the Strait of Malacca with its entry and exit constrained by choke points. 
• Economic Significance:  The Indian Ocean Region(IOR) has 40 per cent of the world’s energy reserves, 65 per cent of strategic raw material reserves and the largest producers of rubber, tea, spices and jute. 
  • More than 65% of the world’s Uranium and oil reserves exist on the ocean bed.
•  Strategic Significance: The Indian Ocean is the focal point of all the major shipping routes of the world. Major sea routes passing through IOR connecting the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. 
  • The IOR is also the lifeline of international trade and economy, with half of the global cargo trade, two-third of the energy supplies and one-third of the bulk cargo trade passing through the Indian Ocean. 

To read more about India-Sri Lanka Ties, refer India Sri Lanka

News Source: Live Mint