Why do we not invade Sri Lanka?

[sgarg]

A country of 1.2 billion people should not need to use force to allign a tiny neighbour of 23+ million people who are so close culturally and religiously in identity. A better question is what failed in making lanka a bhutan or nepal or even sikkim?

The Congressi India failed everywhere including convincing neighbours. Congress withdrew into a shell as regards foreign policy.

There has been drift all around. This drift will not be corrected in one day. Nobody has a magic wand. Every change takes time.

China has been on an "enticing spree" as it looks for projects to use its excess capital. India's neighbours are on the list of China. China can put up with low yielding or even loss-making projects as Chinese leaders do not face any accountability. Indian leaders are not in such comfortable position.

India and China will continue on two parallel paths. I doubt these paths will ever meet. Each country will decide what it likes. If a country likes India's culture and leadership, it will want to go with India.

I do not have a problem with any of India's neighbours not going with India. They are sovereign countries responsible for the good of their people.

 

[Kshatriya87]

Do not understand this idea. There is no reason whatsoever for us to invade Sri Lanka, just because they have an understanding with China. In fact, we should strive towards building better relations with them and replace China with India in all those sectors that Sri Lanka is getting their help in.

 

[Latika_singer]

Because Sri Lanka is a big and friend country

 

[Nicky G]

Direct invasions are too costly in a lot of aspects and may out weigh the benefits. International reactions could easily go drastically against us and we can hardly afford that. It could even give China the excuse it seems to be looking for.

We cannot afford to be painted as an aggressor unless we have very clear and unequivocal reasons for acting in such a manner. Overall, the subtle approach of 'guiding' changes such as elections and other covert approaches would seem to be advisable and it seems we might just be following that path.

Since 50s Sri Lanka has grabbed every opportunity to harm India's National interest. Sri Lanka supported Pakistan against India during 65 and 71 wars. Sri Lanka tried to gift a Naval Base to the US in Northern part of the Island, which forced India to give them 30 years of Civil War. One of the 26/11 conspirators was nabbed by our Intel from Colombo, exposing the nexus between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

I agree that Military is the last option, but the other nations must be convinced that the "Military Option" is very much on the table. We won't hesitate to use it when the need arises.

This is true and symptomatic of how unproductive our policy for dominating south Asia has been. Heck, look at Bangladesh and we created it. This is why Modi's invitation to SAARC and subsequent high level meets with these countries is significant. These countries are very important and can cause a lot of damage to India, dominating them and securing our interests is critical for us. Hopefully, steps are under-way.

 

[HeinzGud]

Am I invited?

 

[tarunraju]

If we did, we'd suffer Russia's consequences post-Crimea, and because we're not a NATO country. Just because a country isn't nuclear armed doesn't mean it's yours to take, and that other countries aren't looking out for it.

That said, we did "allegedly" do something about Rajapakse.

 

[thethinker]

Because :

1) India has no real intent of territorial expansions
2) Resources for making such invasions are instead well used to maintain India's own territorial integrity
3) We don't like to spread "democracy" across the globe
4) The game of global realpolitik diplomacy is based on mutual benefits amongst nations and not some gung-ho military display of power to impress others
5) Lastly, a smaller country like Sri Lanka too would have it's own deterrence measures and can't be underestimated

 

[pkroyal]

GDP ( Sri Lanka )- 134.5 Billion US Dollars
GDP ( India) - 4.99 Trillion US Dollars

Indian rupee is twice as strong as the Sri lankan rupee against the Dollar.

Need we say more.

Do not attack ( militarily), Dominate the economy & flood their markets with Quality Indian Goods that is Invasion enough.

Friends returning back from a trip of Lanka bought Arrow & Van Heusen Shirts for 600-800 Rs ( indian currency) from Colombo

 

[Hari Sud]

Work which can be done with ease by the people of Sri Lanka should be left to them.

Really they did it. They ejected that government whose hands were soaked in blood.