By The Indian government is likely to protest the decision of the Sri Lankan government to allow the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to enter Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for scientific studies.
India has long been suspicious of China’s activities in the Indian Ocean, and the Shi Yan 6 is a sophisticated vessel that is capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, including intelligence gathering.
The Indian government is also concerned that the Shi Yan 6’s presence in Sri Lanka’s EEZ could undermine India’s security interests in the region.
It is likely that India will lodge a diplomatic protest with the Sri Lankan government and urge it to reconsider its decision. India may also take other measures, such as increasing its naval presence in the region.
The decision of the Sri Lankan government to allow the Shi Yan 6 to enter its EEZ is a sign of the growing strategic competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean.
The two countries are vying for influence in the region, and this competition is likely to continue in the years to come.
Here are some specific ways that India might react to the situation:
Diplomatic protest: India could lodge a formal diplomatic protest with the Sri Lankan government, expressing its concerns about the Shi Yan 6’s presence in Sri Lanka’s EEZ.
Increased naval presence: India could increase its naval presence in the region, including in the waters off Sri Lanka. This would send a message to China that India is not taking the situation lightly.
Economic sanctions: India could impose economic sanctions on Sri Lanka, such as restricting trade or investment. This would be a more drastic measure, but it is possible that India would consider it if the situation does not improve.
