While the official narrative emphasises the benefits of enhanced maritime cooperation and knowledge sharing, some experts believe there may be underlying strategic interests at play.
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Regional Centre for Maritime Studies in Sri Lanka. A few months ago, the French Government proposed the creation of this centre, marking France’s first significant maritime initiative in the South Asian seas. This move has sparked considerable debate and speculation about the deeper strategic motives behind this decision.
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| French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. [ Photo: Office of Prime Minister of India] |
The initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime security and knowledge dissemination across the Indian Ocean region, will see the centre set up within the General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University. The Trincomalee Faculty of Naval and Oceanographic Sciences will provide the necessary support and infrastructure, further cementing Trincomalee’s status as a key strategic maritime hub.
The Council of Ministers has approved a proposal by the President, who also serves as the Minister of Defence, to enter into a bilateral agreement with France for the establishment of this centre. This move has raised eyebrows among geopolitical analysts, who suggest that France’s late but strategic entry into the region could signal broader ambitions.
Critics argue that France’s presence in the Indian Ocean could shift the regional balance of power, given the nation’s historical influence and current military capabilities. This development comes at a time when maritime security and territorial waters are increasingly becoming focal points of international tension.
While the official narrative emphasises the benefits of enhanced maritime cooperation and knowledge sharing, some experts believe there may be underlying strategic interests at play. The establishment of this centre in Sri Lanka could potentially be part of a broader strategy by France to extend its influence in the Indian Ocean, a region of growing economic and strategic importance.
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