Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka was a good move' that was published in Newsband

Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka was a good move

During his two-day, four-city visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled in more ways than one that he would like to flag off a new start to India-Sri Lanka ties, that could put them on track to the “golden chapter”. Modi has done well to focus on strengthening India’s historical links with Sri Lanka, invoking the ancient ethnic, linguistic and religious ties that bind them. Gently offering a hand of friendship while reminding Colombo that its promises to the Tamil minority must be kept, would serve India’s strategic interests well.

India's engagement with neighboring countries had reached a new low, with most of the countries feeling betrayed by Indian and they were going under Chinese influence.

Historically, India was somewhat unenthusiastic to cultivating a mutually rewarding and enduring relationship with its immediate neighbours and other countries in Asia with whom it had no strategic, territorial or serious trade related issues, with the exception of Pakistan, and China and to a lesser extent with Bangla Desh. As far as Sri Lanka was concerned, India adopted a 'blow-hot, blow-cold ' approach, as per the evolving political, security, and terrorism related needs in both the countries. China exploited this fluid situation, in pursuit of its strategic goals via economic route, much to the disadvantage of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party government with Modi as the PM recognized these weaknesses. The newness thus imparted in our foreign policy with our immediate neighbours and other friendly nations in Asia will go a long way to check Pakistan and reduce the impact of China factor in the region.

Modi is doing his best to raise India's profile abroad and 'drum' up business for India's economy. For too long India's foreign policy and trade with neighbouring countries has been dormant. Modi wants to build strong economic, cultural and strategic ties with friendly and brotherly neighbours. Let’s hope that he succeeds.

India will have to actively engage Sri Lanka and win trust. China's growing investments in infrastructure and its increasing presence in the Indian Ocean will have to be stalled for maritime security. Moreover minority Tamil's rights will be safeguarded provided the two countries are on the right footing.

Modi should be congratulated on doing a fantastic job during his visit to Sri Lanka. He has started the Railway Line, constructed house for the Tamil speaking population suffering from ravages of war, smoothened the way for a two-way Tourist Traffic and given an assurance of continued Economic Assistance to Sri Lanka. Fantastic job!

Thus Modi has done it again with his impeccable simplicity and straight forwardness. His visit to hand over India sponsored projects to the SL Tamil community and its people was a nice gesture and will give much more confidence to the Tamil Community in SL and people in TN too.