Sri Lanka assures India: No threat to security amid China's Hambantota activities

In a crucial development concerning defence cooperation, Sri Lanka has assured India that it will not allow its territory to be used in any way that could compromise India's security. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reinforced this commitment in a joint statement with India, solidifying Colombo's stance.

This assurance comes at a critical time as China aggressively advances its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which is seen as a strategic move targeting India.

China has taken control of Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port after Colombo defaulted on its debt repayments. Over the past two years, China has stationed its 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5, at Hambantota on multiple occasions. This has raised significant security concerns for India due to the port's proximity to Indian shores.

In August 2022, after India expressed its concerns, Sri Lanka initially requested Beijing to postpone the arrival of the Yuan Wang 5 and avoid such deployments. However, the ship was later allowed to dock for 'replenishment'. Since then, Chinese surveillance and spy ships have been regularly patrolling the Indian Ocean and docking at Hambantota.

Equipped with advanced tracking, sensing, and communication relay systems, the Yuan Wang 5 can detect foreign satellites, aerial assets, and missile systems.

China took possession of the Hambantota port on a 99-year lease after Sri Lanka failed to meet its annual repayment of $100 million for the $1.7 billion loan used to construct the port, which was partially completed in 2010.

Today's agreement with India ensures that Sri Lankan territory, including its waters, will not be used in any manner that threatens India's security or regional stability.

During a comprehensive dialogue in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Both leaders emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties, geographical proximity, and strong people-to-people connections underpinning the India-Sri Lanka partnership.

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for India's unwavering support during and after Sri Lanka's severe economic crisis in 2022. The leaders acknowledged the strengthening bilateral ties, which have significantly contributed to Sri Lanka's socio-economic development.

Both sides adopted a forward-looking vision to expand their partnership, with plans to conclude a comprehensive defence cooperation pact soon.