Sri Lanka Says “Won’t Allow Anyone To Harm India’s Security" Amid China's Presence

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister reassures India of commitment to security amid concerns over Chinese research vessels, emphasizing transparent collaboration and mutual respect.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry, has reassured India of his nation's dedication to upholding India's national security interests. In an interview with ANI on Monday, Minister Sabry emphasized Colombo's stance as a responsible neighbor, affirming that Sri Lanka will not permit any actions that jeopardize India's security.

Addressing India's apprehensions regarding the visits of Chinese research vessels to Sri Lanka, Minister Sabry reiterated his country's commitment to transparent collaboration with all nations. However, he stressed that such cooperation should not compromise the security concerns of any party involved, particularly India.

"We would like to work with all countries in a transparent manner, but not at the expense of others," stated Minister Sabry. "As a responsible neighbor and a civilizational partner, we will not undertake anything that would harm the legitimate security concerns of India."

The Minister also commented on the ongoing elections in India, highlighting the significance of the democratic process. He expressed confidence in the Indian people's ability to make informed decisions and affirmed Sri Lanka's readiness to collaborate with India regardless of the election outcome.

"It's a celebration of democracy, the largest democracy in the world," Minister Sabry remarked. "We want a peaceful conclusion to this exercise, and we will work with any outcome that the Indian public decides."

Last year, India raised security concerns over the docking of a Chinese research vessel at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port. The vessel was reported to have capabilities for mapping the ocean bed, a function critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, underscored the importance of developments in the region that impact India's security. He emphasized that India remains vigilant regarding such matters, particularly those concerning its neighborhood.

"What happens in our neighborhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security, obviously are of interest to us," Jaishankar stated during a joint press conference after the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting.

The reassurances from Sri Lanka come amidst growing concerns in the region over China's expanding presence and activities. Both Sri Lanka and India have historically shared strong diplomatic ties, and Sri Lanka's commitment to safeguarding India's security interests underscores the significance of this relationship.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve in the Indo-Pacific region, collaboration and transparency among neighboring nations remain essential for maintaining peace and stability. Sri Lanka's pledge to prioritize India's security concerns serves as a testament to the importance of mutual respect and cooperation among nations in addressing shared challenges.