A planned joint naval exercise between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, set to take place in the strategically significant waters off Trincomalee, was quietly cancelled in recent weeks after India raised concerns with the Sri Lankan government, sources have revealed to PTI. This military exercise was to be part of the routine engagements between the two countries' navies, but it was called off following India's intervention.
Trincomalee, located on Sri Lanka's northeastern coast, is of immense strategic importance in the Indian Ocean region. Military analysts have long pointed out that the natural harbor in the area has the potential to dominate the Bay of Bengal and much of the northeast Indian Ocean, making it a critical location for India’s maritime security strategy. This region has become a focal point of India's efforts to ensure its regional dominance and safeguard its security interests in the Indian Ocean.
The timing of the planned naval drills, which were scheduled just weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo, raised additional concerns for New Delhi. Though no official statement was issued by either Sri Lanka or Pakistan regarding the cancellation, it is believed that India directly communicated its concerns to Sri Lankan authorities, prompting the cancellation of the exercise.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have long enjoyed cordial military relations, frequently engaging in joint naval exercises and port visits. However, India’s unease stems from Pakistan’s growing naval ties with China. Experts have expressed concerns that the presence of Pakistani warships in Trincomalee could have paved the way for an increased Chinese naval presence in the region, something that would be highly sensitive for India.
India's concerns about Chinese influence in Sri Lanka are not without historical context. In August 2022, a Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship, the Yuan Wang, docked at Hambantota port, a move that sparked a diplomatic standoff between India and Sri Lanka. A year later, another Chinese naval vessel visited Colombo port, which once again stirred tensions in India. These incidents highlighted India’s worries about Chinese expansion in its maritime neighborhood.
In response to these developments, India has worked diligently in recent years to strengthen its strategic influence in Sri Lanka, particularly in Trincomalee. One of the key initiatives is India's involvement in the development of Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure. During Prime Minister Modi's recent visit, India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates signed a groundbreaking agreement to transform Trincomalee into a regional energy hub, which is expected to support Sri Lanka’s energy security and economic recovery.
Furthermore, India and Sri Lanka signed a defence pact aimed at institutionalizing military cooperation, marking a significant shift in bilateral defence ties. This is especially important considering the historical tension from the Indian Peace Keeping Force's intervention in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. The growing defence collaboration between the two countries is evident in India’s recent support, including providing a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka in 2022 to enhance its security capabilities.
In light of these developments, India’s strategic efforts in Sri Lanka are focused on balancing regional security dynamics, countering Chinese influence, and ensuring that Sri Lanka remains within India’s sphere of influence. As the geopolitical stakes in the Indian Ocean continue to rise, India’s role in shaping Sri Lanka’s defense and energy policies is becoming ever more critical.
