India-Sri Lanka Relations: Navigating Partnership, Power, and Geopolitics in 2025
India-Sri Lanka Relations: Navigating Waters of Partnership, Power, and Geopolitics 🌐 Introduction From the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth in Kandy to joint defense pacts in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka’s story is more than just diplomacy—a journey of shared histories, modern challenges, and strategic aspirations. In the heart of the Indian Ocean, where global powers jostle for influence, these two neighbors continue to rewrite their narrative of cooperation and competition. This blog presents a comprehensive, UPSC-relevant breakdown of the India—Sri Lanka relationship, with the latest updates and real-world examples. It is an essential read for civil services and competitive exam aspirants. 🔗 Historical and Cultural Ties India and Sri Lanka have a shared history dating back to the Mauryan Empire and Buddhist exchanges . For example, Emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism, which profoundly influenced the island’s culture. Cul...