Sri Lanka Once Again Allows Docking Of Chinese Spy Ship Despite India's Concerns, PM Modi's Warning

Despite India's concerns and Prime Minister Modi's warnings, Sri Lanka has once again allowed another Chinese spy ship, 'Shi Yan 6,' to dock at Colombo port, reported Hindustan Times.

Notably, another Chinese warship, 'Hai Yang 24 Hao,' had earlier docked at Colombo port in August 2023, following the docking of another spy ship, 'Yuan Wang 5,' at Colombo in August last year.

Shi Yan 6 will conduct a maritime survey in Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), collaborating with Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

China's maritime activities in the Indian Ocean have raised concerns. China has been conducting sea-bed research in the Indian Ocean over the past decade as part of its strategy to expand its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

These efforts involve creating sea lanes to support the future expansion of the Chinese Navy, potentially affecting India's strategic interests.

India has expressed objections to Shi Yan 6's docking at Colombo, as the vessel is believed to be conducting seabed surveys in addition to the maritime survey, with implications for future Chinese Navy operations in the Indian Ocean.

Moreover, in a joint press conference in July with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasised the importance of India and Sri Lanka working together while considering each other's security interests and sensitivities.

Sri Lanka's economic dependence on China is a significant factor. The country owes around $7 billion to China and has entered into debt equity swap agreements, such as granting control of the Hambantota port to China.

Sri Lanka's economic ties with China limit its ability to refuse China's requests regarding port access.

For India, this situation is of serious concern because China has been establishing a network of ports across the Indian Ocean, expanding its naval footprint.

These ports, including Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Ream naval base in Cambodia, Kyaukphyu seaport in Myanmar, and others, pose a potential challenge to India's security interests, particularly in terms of sea and access restrictions.

In response to these developments, India has expressed its concerns to Sri Lanka's leadership, emphasising the importance of safeguarding India's strategic interests and security concerns.

The expansion of the Chinese PLA Navy in the Indian Ocean raises concerns about future developments, such as submarine operations, that may affect the regional security dynamics.