The one-year ban on Chinese research ships shows Colombo ‘did not wish to trigger any tensions’ with its neighbour, given India’s economic and military capabilities in the region.
According to sources, Sri Lanka was delaying granting permission for the arrival of the vessel due to concerns raised by India. However, there is no official confirmation of the same.
The Sri Lankan foreign ministry said on October 29 that a Chinese vessel has been granted permission to carry out marine research off the island s west coast under supervision. India has concerns that it could be a spy ship.