Forest Services
India and Sri Lanka Conduct Bilateral Diving Exercise in Colombo
In April 2024, the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy conducted a bilateral diving exercise in Colombo involving over 100 personnel from both navies (The Hindu, April 2024). This exercise reaffirmed maritime ties between the two countries, focusing on enhancing interoperability, joint underwater operational capabilities, and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The event marks a continuation of India’s strategic outreach to Sri Lanka, a key littoral state in the IOR, and reflects shared interests in securing sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and countering non-traditional maritime threats.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: International Relations – India’s maritime diplomacy, bilateral naval exercises, and regional security frameworks.
- GS Paper 3: Security – Maritime security, naval modernization, and counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.
- Essay: Strategic importance of India’s maritime partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region.
Legal Framework Governing India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation
The bilateral diving exercise aligns with the Maritime Zones Act, 1976 of India, which defines India’s rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, enabling enforcement of maritime security within these zones. Both India and Sri Lanka are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, which provides the international legal framework for maritime jurisdiction, navigation rights, and cooperation in combating threats such as piracy and illegal fishing. UNCLOS facilitates joint operations in international waters and EEZs, underscoring the legal basis for such bilateral exercises.
- Maritime Zones Act, 1976: Governs India’s EEZ and continental shelf jurisdiction.
- UNCLOS, 1982: Ratified by both countries; enables maritime cooperation and security operations.
- Exercise supports enforcement of maritime laws against trafficking, piracy, and illegal fishing.
Economic Stakes in Maritime Security Cooperation
India’s naval modernization budget for 2023-24 was approximately INR 13,000 crore (~USD 1.6 billion), reflecting heightened focus on blue water capabilities and maritime security (Union Budget 2023-24, Ministry of Defence). Sri Lanka’s maritime economy contributes about 7% to its GDP, emphasizing the economic imperative to secure fisheries, ports, and sea trade routes (Sri Lanka Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, 2023). More than 60% of India-Sri Lanka bilateral trade volume transits via sea routes, highlighting the criticality of maritime security for uninterrupted commerce (Directorate General of Foreign Trade, India, 2023).
- India’s naval budget increased by 8.5% in 2023-24, prioritizing maritime domain awareness and capabilities.
- Sri Lanka’s EEZ covers ~517,000 sq km, vital for fisheries and resource security (Sri Lanka Navy Annual Report 2023).
- Sea routes between India and Sri Lanka handle over 60% of bilateral trade volume.
Institutional Roles in India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation
The Indian Navy (IN) leads operational execution of bilateral naval exercises and maritime security patrols. The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) partners in joint training and operations, enhancing mutual capabilities. India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) oversees defense cooperation frameworks and budgetary allocations, while Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitates diplomatic engagement. The Indian Maritime University (IMU) supports capacity building through training and research. Regionally, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) provides a multilateral platform for maritime cooperation, complementing bilateral efforts.
- Indian Navy: Executes exercises, maritime patrols, and capacity building.
- Sri Lanka Navy: Joint operations and training partner.
- MoD India & Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka: Policy and diplomatic coordination.
- IMU: Maritime security education and research.
- IORA: Regional maritime cooperation forum.
Operational and Security Outcomes of the Exercise
The diving exercise enhanced interoperability in underwater operations such as search and rescue, mine countermeasures, and underwater surveillance. It contributes to collective maritime domain awareness and rapid response capabilities against threats like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. Piracy incidents in the Indian Ocean decreased by 15% in 2023, partly due to enhanced naval cooperation among IOR states including India and Sri Lanka (International Maritime Bureau, 2024). India conducts over 20 bilateral naval exercises annually with IOR countries, reflecting a sustained commitment to regional maritime security (Indian Navy Annual Report 2023).
- Exercise involved 100+ personnel, focusing on diving and underwater operational interoperability.
- 15% decline in Indian Ocean piracy in 2023 linked to enhanced naval cooperation.
- India-Sri Lanka exercises form part of India’s broader IOR maritime security strategy.
Comparative Perspective: India-Sri Lanka vs US-Japan Maritime Cooperation
| Aspect | India-Sri Lanka Cooperation | US-Japan Cooperation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Exercises | Annual bilateral exercises, including diving and patrols | Multiple advanced exercises yearly, e.g., 'Keen Sword' |
| Technological Integration | Basic interoperability, limited integrated command systems | Highly advanced integrated command and control systems |
| Response Time Improvement | Incremental improvements, no formal rapid response protocols | 30% faster joint response time during maritime crises (US DoD, 2023) |
| Formal Agreements | No formal bilateral maritime security agreement with intelligence sharing | Comprehensive security treaties and intelligence sharing frameworks |
Critical Gap: Absence of Formal Maritime Security Agreement
Despite frequent exercises, India and Sri Lanka lack a formal bilateral maritime security agreement that clearly defines protocols for intelligence sharing, joint patrolling, and coordinated responses to non-traditional threats such as trafficking and illegal fishing. This gap limits the effectiveness of their cooperation in rapidly addressing emergent maritime security challenges. Formalizing such agreements would institutionalize trust, streamline operational coordination, and enhance deterrence against asymmetric threats.
- No formalized intelligence sharing or joint patrolling protocols.
- Limits rapid coordinated response to non-traditional threats.
- Formal agreement would strengthen operational synergy and maritime governance.
Significance and Way Forward
- Bilateral diving exercises reinforce India-Sri Lanka strategic partnership and maritime security in the IOR.
- Enhancing interoperability through joint training improves collective response to piracy, trafficking, and maritime disasters.
- Formalizing maritime security agreements with clear intelligence-sharing protocols is essential to address emerging non-traditional threats effectively.
- Investment in technology and joint command systems can accelerate response times and operational integration.
- Leveraging multilateral frameworks like IORA can complement bilateral efforts and promote regional maritime governance.
- UNCLOS provides the legal basis for establishing Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state.
- UNCLOS allows any country to conduct military exercises within another country’s EEZ without prior consent.
- Both India and Sri Lanka are parties to UNCLOS.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- India and Sri Lanka have a formal bilateral maritime security agreement with intelligence sharing protocols.
- The bilateral diving exercise in Colombo involved over 100 personnel from both navies.
- India conducts over 20 bilateral naval exercises annually with countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance
- JPSC Paper: Paper 2 – International Relations and Security Studies
- Jharkhand Angle: Jharkhand’s strategic location as a mineral and industrial hub depends on secure maritime trade routes through Indian ports, indirectly linking the state’s economy to maritime security in the IOR.
- Mains Pointer: Frame answers emphasizing the strategic importance of maritime security for India’s economic interests, including inland states like Jharkhand, and the need for regional cooperation to safeguard trade routes.
What is the primary objective of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral diving exercise?
The primary objective is to enhance interoperability between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies in underwater operations such as diving, search and rescue, and mine countermeasures, thereby strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
How does the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, relate to India’s maritime security?
The Maritime Zones Act, 1976, defines India’s jurisdiction over its Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, providing the legal basis for enforcing maritime security, resource management, and conducting operations within these maritime zones.
Why is the Indian Ocean Region strategically important for India and Sri Lanka?
The IOR is critical due to its sea lines of communication that facilitate over 60% of India-Sri Lanka trade, abundant marine resources, and its role as a corridor for global energy and goods movement, making maritime security a shared priority.
What are the limitations of current India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation?
Current limitations include the absence of a formal bilateral maritime security agreement with clear protocols on intelligence sharing and joint patrolling, which restricts rapid coordinated responses to emerging non-traditional maritime threats.
How has piracy in the Indian Ocean changed recently due to naval cooperation?
Piracy incidents in the Indian Ocean decreased by 15% in 2023, attributed to enhanced naval cooperation and joint patrols among Indian Ocean littoral states, including India and Sri Lanka.