India Confident of Positive Ties with Neighbors Amid Political Changes

September 27, Colombo (LNW): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India does not seek to control the political dynamics of its neighbors but remains confident that interdependence will ensure constructive relationships. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Jaishankar addressed concerns about recent political changes in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, reaffirming India’s focus on fostering regional economic cooperation.

Amid discussions about potential shifts in Dhaka and Colombo’s ties with Delhi following the regime change in Bangladesh and Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election victory in Sri Lanka, Jaishankar clarified that India does not impose political conditions on its neighbors. He highlighted India’s timely support for Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, stating that it was done without political strings attached. “What happens politically in Sri Lanka is for their politics to work out,” Jaishankar said, underlining India’s respect for each country’s internal dynamics.

Addressing Bangladesh, Jaishankar traced the progress of the past decade and projected confidence that mutual benefit and interdependence will sustain healthy relations despite political shifts in the region.