China has made a larger point about the power shift in Indian Ocean region by docking the missile and satellite tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at Hambantota Port.
New Delhi is concerned about the possibility of the ship’s tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port.
Sri Lankan foreign ministry said the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to dock at Chinese-leased Hambantota port on 11 August for refuelling and leave on 17 August.
With political, economic clout in Sri Lanka, China helping the crisis-hit nation was expected. But lack of financial returns & public outrage for Rajapaksas ensured their absence.
Several proposals to strengthen the economic ties between India and Sri Lanka were discussed during a meeting of officials from various ministries chaired by the Deputy NSA earlier this month.
‘India is the only game in town’ said one expert alluding to India lending Sri Lanka a helping hand, Colombo's strained ties with Beijing and the prevailing economic crisis.
The reach and impact of influencers are so significant that even politicians such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi have recognised their value—the National Creators Award is proof.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
Both the governments expressed their commitment to strengthening their maritime cooperation to strengthen the maritime safety and security framework in the region.
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