Brothers, Not Friends

N. Manoharan

South Asian Survey, 2011, vol. 18, issue 2, 225-236

Abstract: Mahatma Gandhi referred to Sri Lanka as India’s ‘daughter state’. True to this metaphoric observation, relations between the two countries have been by-and-large cordial, but occasionally not devoid of irritants. India is Sri Lanka’s closest, most important and powerful neighbour. Relations between the two neighbours stretch to more than two millennia in wide-ranging areas—political, economic, socio-cultural and military. Common colonial experience under Britain led both countries to have similar world views, yet certain strategic imperatives and national interests dictated differing policies, at times conflicting with each other. India has always stood by Sri Lanka and time-and-again reiterated its unambiguous support to safeguarding the latter’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Despite witnessing various ups and downs, the bilateral ties between the two countries have never been bad to a level of confrontation. They have in fact matured over a period of time and, in the present context, serve as a model of good neighbourly interaction.

Keywords: India; Sri Lanka; India–Sri Lanka relations; LTTE; IPKF; Eelam War IV; bilateral relations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:soasur:v:18:y:2011:i:2:p:225-236

DOI: 10.1177/0971523113513370

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