Modi prepares ground for a regional counter terrorism cooperation during his visit to Sri Lanka

The Hindu described Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka as “Itinerary Symbolism”. I have discussed about Maldivian visit in detail earlier and clearly it wasn’t about symbolism. Nor does Modi’s touchdown in Colombo just a matter of symbolism.

Prime Minister’s short but impactful visit to the Indian Ocean Island of Sri Lanka must be analysed carefully for the clear messaging. Modi demonstrated India’s resolve to empower neighbouring by stressing on the regional prosperity and empowerment of nations. But by becoming first foreign leader to visit the island after the deadly Easter attacks that claimed more than 250 lives, Modi unmistakably carried the message of solidarity. Departing from the official protocol, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe received Indian Prime Minister at the airport. Before resuming official engagements, Modi travelled to the St. Anthony Church, one of the major targets of the Easter attacks and paid respects to the terror victims and remarked, “I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with people of Sri Lanka”. Modi’s visit endorsed the fact that island nation is safe. This will give immense boost to the tourism industry which is hardly hit by the terror attacks.  With immediate effect, France lifted travel advisory to the island nation. By vowing support to Sri Lanka, India has committed to help the neighbourhood to mitigate its challenges.

Modi’s references to terrorism and fervent appeal to global community for concerted efforts must be viewed in tandem with his attempts to push forward for a global counter terrorism convention. In 1996 India has proposed an international convention on global terrorism and ever since India has been consistently demanding for adoption of Comprehensive Convention of International Terrorism (CCIT). Modi gave a fillip to this proposal by pressing for its early adoption of the convention in his first address to the UN General Assembly in 2014. India which has been facing the threat of terrorism always sought for calibrated international efforts to thwart it. The West initially chose to downplay the scourge of terrorism. But as deadly terror attacks became common place, terrorism has now become core aspect of cooperation between friendly nations and integral part of strategic partnerships.

In his special address to the Majilis (Parliament) in Maldives, Modi strongly condemned state sponsor terrorism and raised alarm about burgeoning radicalisation. Though his persistent efforts in convincing P5 nations about threats of cross border terrorism together with the major diplomatic victory in convincing China to lift technical hold on designation of Masood Azhar as global terrorist Modi has proved his credentials for his intolerance towards terrorism. His frequent and unsparing references to terrorism at major multilateral institutions underscores his conviction and commitment to address terrorism. Given India’s rising global stature and Modi’s success in in establishing International Solar Alliance (ISA), he might be keen on laying foundation for a potential international mechanism for counter terrorism as well. Consolidating regional counter terrorism cooperation may be a step in that direction.

Moreover, after the disintegration of ISIS caliphate, the disparate radicalised groups who returned to their respective countries are trying to influence and radical the local youth. This led to sudden mushrooming of the terror outfits across the South Asia. Among the nine wilayahs (provinces), ISIS has outfits in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Desperately looking for a comeback ISIS initially claimed responsibility for the Easter attacks but investigations reported it as handiwork be National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ), which is found to have Indian connections. Rohan Gunaratne, global terror expert indicated radical extremism preachers from Tamilnadu played a crucial role in the formation of terror outfits in Sri Lanka. The radicalised returnee Gulf migrants have been instrumental in establishment of training camps in Sri Lanka. Perpetrators obtained technology for bombmaking from internet. With ISIS now a reality in South Asia, there is need for great cooperation between countries. Cognizant of these developments, India offered supported to Sri Lanka in further investigations.

Till now India have focussed its attention of building connectivity networks, providing assistance in infrastructure development and capacity building. By inking a deal along with Japan to develop a container terminal in Colombo, New Delhi is not only trying to neutralise China’s influence but became active investment partner. Lying along the busiest maritime routes, Sri Lanka and the Maldives constitute India’s strategic backyard. Any turmoil in its area of influence may not bode well for the strategic interests of India. Hence India is now actively contemplating on strengthening strategic maritime cooperation.

Besides in 21^st century, there is a renewed interest in nations towards bolstering their maritime security. As a result, there is an increased maritime domain awareness among the island nations. Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is emerging as major strategic arena in shifting geopolitical dynamics. Island nations are now more concerned about security. Especially, Maldives and Sri Lanka which are facing the threat of Islamist radicalisation are eagerly seeking assistance. A major aspect of the security includes the terror emanating from the sea routes as well. India unlike China which doesn’t have deep pockets is seeking to swiftly counter the growing influence of Beijing by extending cooperation in terrorism and strategic security.

Aware of the fissures between offices of Prime Minister and President, Modi diligently balanced his interactions with both the leaders. President Sirisena extended ceremonial guard of honour to Prime Minister, later both leaders held wide ranging discussions and agreed “terrorism is a joint threat and needs collective action”. Both of them planted a sapling in the Presidential Palace. Prime Minister who met Sirisena twice in the span of 10 days, “reiterated India’s commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secured and prosperous future”. Modi also met former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, governors of all the nine provinces and the delegation of Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Sri Lanka which is going through a domestic churn in the aftermath of Easter attacks is going for Presidential Elections on December 7^th. Firming up ties, Modi assured all support, to future Sri Lankan leadership as well.

Viraj Solanki, research analyst pointed that a realistic futuristic cooperation can be the only way forward to counter the burgeoning threat in South Asia. Like-minded South Asian nations India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh must consider forming a regional counter terrorism alliance. Modi seems to be preparing ground for such an arrangement.

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