| Summary/Abstract |
In the final analysis, it can be argued that whatever approach India adopts towards Sri Lanka, it will be impossible to alter two realities: the increasing presence of China and the anti-India sentiment which is deep rooted in that country. It should be kept in mind that since the pre-independence period, the Sri Lankans perceive India as wanting to dominate it economically as well as strategically. This feeling has not died down completely over time. Politicians and business communities have exploited these feelings over the years to pursue their selfish interests. And, they will continue to do so in the future too.
Thus, India’s aim is to protect its interests despite Chinese presence on the Island, and to create an atmosphere of interdependence so that the domestic anti-India constituency becomes less effective. For this, India needs to use the tools of both soft and hard power simultaneously. India has exhibited its capability as far as hard power is concerned. There is a growing realisation in Sri Lanka that as far as security assistance at the time of emergency is concerned there can be no better option than India. India’s proximity positions it as a country on which Sri Lanka can rely for immediate assistance. Hence, while Sri Lankan nationalists often oppose Indian economic activities in Sri Lanka, no such opposition was observed in the Island against the security cooperation between the two countries. Unfortunately, India failed to exhibit that it can be a reliable economic partner.
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