Sri Lanka’s newly elected president has indicated that he does not want his country to be “sandwiched” between India and China in their regional power struggle. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has outlined his plans to maintain friendly relations with both countries while also pursuing economic development and security interests.
Rajapaksa’s comments came during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he emphasized the importance of deepening ties with India. He suggested that Sri Lanka would seek economic cooperation with India while also acknowledging the benefits of their military partnership.
Despite this, Rajapaksa also expressed a desire to strengthen relations with China, citing their support for infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. He reassured Chinese officials that Sri Lanka would continue to prioritize its relationship with China while also maintaining close ties with India.
The new president’s approach is seen as an attempt to balance the interests of both regional powers, avoiding taking sides in their rivalry while maximizing the benefits of their competing investments. This strategy reflects Sri Lanka’s historical position as a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean region, where it has traditionally maintained relationships with multiple countries to advance its own interests.
Overall, Rajapaksa’s stance on India-China relations signals a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that prioritizes Sri Lanka’s national security and economic growth. By avoiding being “sandwiched” between the two countries, the president aims to ensure that Sri Lanka can continue to benefit from its position as a key player in the region.
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