Ambitious merger project. India and Sri Lanka agreed on Friday, July 21, to consider building a land bridge between the two countries, during an official visit to New Delhi by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the first since he takes office in 2022.

founded “ground connection” in the Indian Ocean would give India access to the main ports of Trincomalee and Colombo, and lead to an increase “millennial relationship”, determined by the two countries, in a strategic document which also mentions the construction of an oil pipeline. As China’s presence grows in Sri Lanka, a feasibility study for this land bridge and oil pipeline will be carried out, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India, “like an old friend”

The bridge will be built across the Palk Strait, which is about 25 kilometers wide. For comparison, the Channel Tunnel between France and England crosses the sea for about 38 kilometers.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit comes barely a year after he became President of Sri Lanka. The former Prime Minister succeeds Gotabaya Rajapaksa, exiled by demonstrations against the unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka, characterized by shortages of basic foodstuffs, food, petrol, medicines.

India splashed out nearly $4 billion in aid as Colombo defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt. “Sri Lanka faced many challenges last year but like an old friend, we stand with the Sri Lankan people in this time of crisis.”emphasized Narendra Modi.

India considers Sri Lanka as part of its natural zone of influence. This is why its leaders are concerned about Beijing’s activities on the island and in the region.