Indian delegation visits Sri Lanka: A sign of rising regional rivalries

The official reason for the trip was to review security arrangements for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference in Colombo later this month. However, the Indian press reported that New Delhi has been concerned about the escalating civil war on the island and the manner in which Indias rivalsPakistan and Chinahave forged closer relations with Colombo by providing military aid.

The Times of India reported that the delegation had expressed Indias disquiet over Sri Lanka continuing to source weapons systems in a major way from China and Pakistan. The article noted that during the wide-ranging discussions on mutual concerns... the Indian delegation promised all help in the military supplies, intelligence and training arenas.

India, which regards Sri Lanka as part of its sphere of influence, has been engaged in a careful political balancing act. While providing some military supplies and assistance, the Indian government has been careful not to provoke opposition in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where hostility to the repression and discrimination suffered by Sri Lankan Tamils is strong.