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VISIT OF THE SRI LANKAN NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLAGE DELEGATION

VISIT OF THE SRI LANKAN NDC DELEGATION

Time	Events	Speaker
1430 h	Arrival of Sri Lanka NDC Delegation
1430-1438 h	Welcome Remarks (Including details about USI)	Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI
1438-1445 h	Talk about NDC Sri Lanka	Air Vice Marshal PN De Costa USP ndc
1445-1500 h	Talk on ‘Indian Perspective on Regional Security in the Emerging Geo-political Developments’	Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI
1500-1515 h	Talk on ‘The Salience of Indo-Sri Lankan Bi-lateral Relations’	Brigadier W S Gamage RSP USP psc
1515-1535 h	Open House Discussion
1535-1545 h	Exchange of Mementos and Group Photograph
1545-1600 h	Tea
1600 h	Departure of the Sri Lanka NDC Delegation

 

 

Key takeaways:

• India's strategic position is influenced by its unique geographical features and status as a major civilization state. With a large population, extensive coastline, and youthful demography, India holds immense potential for economic growth and regional influence. India's strategic priorities include ensuring food security, promoting digital innovation, and enhancing security cooperation, as exemplified by initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Welcome Remarks by Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI

• In navigating global uncertainties, India's foreign policy tenets, include non-aggression, neutrality, and the promotion of a rule-based world order. India seeks to balance relations with major powers, prioritize regional stability, and foster global partnerships. As a member of various regional and international organizations, India plays a pivotal role in shaping global governance and security architectures.
• Through a focus on economic development, credible deterrence, and diplomatic engagement, India aims to strike a balance between its development priorities and security imperatives. Maintaining a non-revisionist and non-aggressive stance, India seeks to be a voice of reason and stability in the international arena, emphasizing cooperation and stability as cornerstones of its strategic approach.

 

Presentation by DG, USI

• The historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, span over 2500 years. They form the bedrock of bilateral relations between both nations, rooted in shared values of religion, spirituality, and language. The beginning of cultural ties can be traced back to Emperor Ashoka sending his son Arhat Mahinda to Sri Lanka In 250 BCE, to spread the word of the Buddha.

 

• The common values tying Indian and Sri Lankan philosophy are ‘Karma, Dharma, and Reincarnation’. These values stem from similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism, which has been influential in promoting spiritual exchange between India and Sri Lanka. The strong religious and spiritual ties are evident from the Landmark USD 15 million grant to Sri Lanka for strengthening Buddhist ties, and India’s efforts in building Kushinagar International Airport to promote India’s Buddhist heritage for bettering people-to-people contact. This strong cultural bond has translated into a robust diplomatic relationship, allowing India to positively influence regional geopolitics.  

 

• Since the Indian Ocean carries more than 40% of the world’s seaborne trade,

a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka is essential for Indian interests in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). Sri Lankan stability is vital for India in ensuring access to key shipping lanes. For a stable and secure IOR, India’s ‘Neighbourhood-First’ foreign policy towards Sri Lanka should be soft power driven. In this regard, Indians and Sri Lankans could work together on their development goals for 2047 and 2048. Further suggestions for strong regional ties include better academic collaborations to build a network of future leaders, and collaboration in renewable energy.

Presentation by Sri Lankan Delegate, Brigadier WS Gamage

• India's foreign policy towards Sri Lanka aims to reduce its reliance on aggressive external creditors, thus fostering stability in the region. Economic cooperation, backed by substantial financial assistance and military collaboration, has strengthened maritime capabilities and addressed security challenges in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing trust and interoperability. Sustained high-level dialogues and people-centric diplomacy are key to maintaining this enduring relationship, ensuring stability and prosperity for both nations.

Distinguished Audience

Report by Dalvi Sethi, Research Intern, CS