Strengthened Ties: The Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signifies a pivotal shift in India-Sri Lanka relations, focusing on shared security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Strategic Counterbalance: The DCA aims to counter China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka, enhance maritime security, and improve military readiness through joint exercises and asset sharing.
Broader Regional Impact: Beyond security, the DCA aligns with India’s South Asian engagement strategy, fostering cooperation in trade, energy, and disaster management while reinforcing regional stability.
The recent statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, announcing that a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is almost finalized, signifies a turning point in India-Sri Lanka relations. This agreement is expected to strengthen security cooperation and address concerns about stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Contextual Background
During discussions on December 16, 2024, in New Delhi, both leaders highlighted the strategic security interests of their nations. Addressing PM Modi’s concerns, President Dissanayaka assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to threaten India’s security. This assurance is particularly relevant as China has increased its presence in the region, with Sri Lankan ports hosting Chinese surveillance vessels. The DCA is therefore a proactive administrative response to these geopolitical trends.
Main Apparatuses of the Defence Cooperation Agreement
The forthcoming Defence Cooperation Agreement is believed to include crucial elements aimed at strengthening cooperation and improving Sri Lanka’s defence capacities. It will promote collaboration through joint exercises, essential for building readiness and harmonized cooperation between the two nations’ military forces.
India is prepared to help Sri Lanka increase its presence in maritime security, an essential factor in monitoring activities in the vital transit routes of the Indian Ocean. The agreement will address Sri Lanka’s requirements for defence platforms and assets from India to enhance the combat readiness of Sri Lankan forces in countering traditional and emerging threats.
Cooperation in hydrography is planned to improve the safety of maritime navigation. Additionally, India will support Sri Lanka in disaster prevention and response through relevant training activities conducted by Indian specialists.
Stakeholders’ Analysis: Implications for India
The proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement has significant strategic implications for India. Given China’s growing influence in the region, the agreement is seen as a countermeasure to Beijing’s control over Sri Lanka. Indian defence officials’ proposal to intensify cooperation with Colombo ensures India’s sustained military presence in the Indian Ocean, safeguarding its maritime borders.
The DCA aligns with India’s broader South Asian security engagement, including the Colombo Security Conclave, aimed at partnership-based security against terrorism and transnational crimes like narcotics trafficking. This cooperation may lead to corresponding improvements in trade, energy, and infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity through joint energy projects and trade deals.
Conclusion
The forthcoming Defence Cooperation Agreement between India and Sri Lanka symbolizes considerable progress toward regional stabilization and joint security efforts. This partnership will play an active role in addressing shared security challenges while deepening economic ties.
The echoed commitment by both leaders underscores the interlinked security of the two nations. Strengthening this fortification opens up prospects for safety and progress, ensuring a brighter future for both India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean Region.
References:
- India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement soon, say PM Modi & President Dissanayake after meeting in New Delhi-https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20241216/india-sri-lanka-defence-cooperation-agreement-soon-say-pm-modi-president-dissanayake-after-meeting-in-new-delhi
- Won’t allow Lankan soil to be used against India, Dissanayake tells PM Modi-https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wont-allow-lankan-soil-to-be-used-against-india-dissanayake-tells-pm-modi-101734366958451.html
- India and Sri Lanka to finalise defence cooperation agreement, strengthen security ties: PM Modi- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-and-sri-lanka-to-finalise-defence-cooperation-agreement-strengthen-security-ties-pm-modi/articleshow/116363896.cms
Parag is pursuing his master’s at the Jindal School of International Affairs. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Satish Chogule 
Aayush Pal 
Shobhil Shrivastava