By Nasriya Naffin, TON Sri Lanka

The Indo-Pacific strategy, the latest addition to the geopolitical debates, is an important regional strategy that connects both Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. It has become a growing prominence throughout the globe due to its significant geopolitical and geostrategic implications and to the vast natural resources, and the strategically vital sea lines of communication that are found within the region.

All these years Sri Lanka has been working together with major powers of this region in infrastructure development, trade, security and communication. Even though the island nation is not considered as a major power in the region and has not yet mentioned its own strategy towards this, the country will fully support and work towards the Indo-Pacific strategy which will bring many benefits that cannot be missed at a time like this. Sri Lanka has become a hotspot in this strategy for its unique location in the Indian ocean where many busy sea - lines surrounding the country.

The major players of the Indo-Pacific are the United States, China, India, Australia, and Japan. India as the closest neighbor may consider strengthening its influence here in Sri Lanka by supporting the country's security and assisting the country's ongoing financial- crisis. The question is, can these acts limit Chinese assistance towards the country? India recently has offered many new investment projects to the country in the sectors such as energy, logistics and infrastructure.

India's quick response towards the country's on-going crises has helped Sri Lanka tremendously to survive the hard days. China on the other hand has followed a slow approach towards the situation even though it remains the country's largest donor.

The USA has shown a growing interest towards Sri Lanka's ongoing crisis and has welcomed the country's decision to work with the IMF. They have also requested the western giants to help with the country's economic crisis.

Can Indo-Pacific produce policies that can favor Sri Lanka and many other island nations in the region remains uncertain as the strategy is still new and has not given much attention to the areas such as marine pollution, climate change and disaster management which are some of the significant issues these countries are facing at present.

According to some expertise Indo-Pacific strategy was brought up to strengthen maritime security within the region. The world giants are trying to acquire military facilities in the region. On the other hand, the USA, Europe and many other world giants are concerned that China’s increased presence in the region could threaten security interests in the region. As these regional partners continue with their struggle for power, will small islands like Sri Lanka truly benefit and will they discuss the country’s problems is a question.

The great power competition in the Indo-Pacific region may bring financing for many infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka but will these projects be sustainable? Environmentally friendly?

On the contrast, Indian influence in the seas can affect the island’s fisheries industry. Illegal migration and drug transportation are some of the threats the country is facing at present and how favorable the Indo-Pacific strategy is on these matters towards Sri Lanka remains uncertain.  

China is already carrying a considerable amount of economic weight and offering opportunities to the island.  Even though the western countries consider debt financing unsustainable, Sri Lanka cannot miss any opportunity that is offered by China during this crisis. However, will China make this as an opportunity to dominate the island nation?  

India and Western countries are opposing the initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is another issue that can confuse Sri Lanka as the country cannot miss any financial assistance from the international community. Where is our country going to stand? Either way it can create conflicts. India will do anything to minimize Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. Already the Chinese-invested on the power grid project in Sri Lanka, which was suspended in December due to India's interference. Not to forget USA that always considers China as a threat.  

Sri Lanka with an important geolocation, it is wise to take a neutral stand with the International giants rather than depending only on one or two. Sri Lanka will always need assistance for both the economy and security internationally.

The Indo –Pacific strategy could bring many opportunities including a chance to become the trade and maritime hub in the Indian ocean. 60 percent of country’s total trade occurs with the major powers of the Indo-Pacific region. It is clear that the country cannot move forward in isolation. Sri Lanka should show a positive approach towards this strategy while balancing other regional and global powers.

This may not be an easy task for the country, especially when competing among major powers keep building towards this island due to its strategic location. The country needs many bilateral trade agreements to strengthen the economy. The location and the natural harbors around the country is conducive for this. We are in a strategic location in the Indian ocean and we need a strategic plan to maximize benefits and minimize conflict with them.