Defence Minister to undertake three-day Sri Lanka visit to boost maritime security under Neighbourhood First Policy
Distilled Policy Brief
- Bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka are anchored in deep civilizational links, economic cooperation, and India's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis and post-Cyclone Ditwah relief in 2025.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Key terms like the MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across the Region) and India's Neighbourhood First Policy in maritime diplomacy.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the strategic importance of defense partnerships and humanitarian assistance (e.g., Cyclone Ditwah relief) in reinforcing India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations and India's maritime diplomacy, consider the following statements: 1. India extended humanitarian relief assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025. 2. The initiative 'MAHASAGAR' stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Both statements are correct. India supported Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and provided key relief assistance following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025. This assistance reinforces India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and PM Modi's 'MAHASAGAR' vision, which expands to 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region'.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.