brand logo

Insecurity has led to a security dilemma in the Indian Ocean: Foreign Secretary

21 Sep 2021

At his address at the recently held Carnegie Endowment, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage explained that the insecurity of some powers in the Indian Ocean has given rise to the insecurity of many others in the region, which has in turn resulted in a security dilemma in the Indian Ocean. In terms of smaller, less militarily and economically powerful countries such as Sri Lanka, Colombage noted that they are facing a strategic dilemma. “We see the resurgence of traditional security concerns and we don't want to be part of this competition. What we need is to mind our own business and prosper as a country. What we need is strategic autonomy," he said. He also remarked that Sri Lanka would not like to see a single power becoming a hegemonic power in the Indian Ocean. The Foreign Secretary further noted that strategic chaos is currently evolving in the region, even amongst the alliances present in the Indian Ocean. While considering such a backdrop, Colombage stated that Sri Lanka had to implement certain foreign policy directives to overcome the situation. “We wish to remain neutral in this game. Technically we are a non-aligned country. We wish to remain neutral because we simply don't want to be part of this power game and we want to maintain friendly relations with everyone. No one is our enemy,” he stated. In addition, it was stressed that Sri Lanka’s priorities remain to be economic prosperity and engagement. Most importantly however, Colombage stated that Sri Lanka does not want any county or power to use Sri Lankan soil or water as a threat to another country, especially India, “We don't want to be a strategic security concern to India. This is Sri Lanka's foreign policy.” he said. The Carnegie Endowment advances international peace by leveraging its global network to shape debates and provide decisionmakers with independent insights and innovative ideas on the most consequential global threats and opportunities.


More News..