Sri Lanka signals India through back-channel outreach, MP bats for Delhi ahead of polls in Bangladesh and Nepal

Later, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinhe with Narendra Modi. (File Image)

Nama, the MP son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, praised New Delhi for what could be called a balancing act to reach out to India through parallel diplomacy or back-channel talks, highlighting their potential role in the South Asian region in the wake of political turmoil, unrest and the rise of extremism. He said this at a time when anti-India sentiments are high in Bangladesh and the country is gearing up for general elections scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026. Nepal will go to the polls on March 5 and risks are high for India here too.

Speaking to social media platform X, Nama Rajpaksha wrote that there is a growing and urgent need for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia and India can play a central role. It also reminded us that Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka experienced periods of political turmoil marked by social unrest and changes in government. His comment is significant because Sri Lanka, which witnessed public anger over economic and domestic issues in 2022, soon snowballed into anti-corruption protests, leading to the impeachment of Nama’s uncle, then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

India-Sri Lanka Ties

This was followed by Bangladesh, which witnessed a series of protests across the country in July 2024. The demonstration, which started as a student protest, was soon taken over by radical Islamist elements who took to the streets in thousands, forcing the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India on August 5. An interim government was established under the leadership of economist Muhammad Yunus, but the country was plunged into further chaos.

Nepal witnessed a nationwide protest by Gen Z against the government ban on the social media platform; The movement soon snowballed into a movement to change the regime, after which Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had to resign. An interim government was formed under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. General elections in Nepal will be held on March 5.

Bangladesh elections: India’s interests

Recognizing these dramatic developments emerging in three South Asian countries with similar problems, Rajapaksa wrote in a long post: “Overcoming these challenges requires a collective determination to counter extremism, prevent political violence and protect minority rights. Therefore, South Asia needs greater regional coherence to withstand emerging crises and respond collectively to common challenges.” He further added: “The upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal offer a promising opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy through free and fair elections, which will contribute to further strengthening regional security.”

Sri Lanka-India parallel diplomacy

Nama Rajpaksha’s comments are important because it was India that came out to support Sri Lanka as it entered an unforeseen economic crisis in 2022. Delhi has reached out to Colombo by extending financial assistance and credit lines, boosting its image as first responders in the region. New Delhi was the first country to send rescue teams and relief materials when the island nation was hit hard by Cyclone Ditwah last year. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka and held talks with government representatives and announced a $450 million aid package to support reconstruction.

It was Mahinda Rajapaksha who offered to lease the Hambantota port to China for 99 years after the country could not pay its debts accrued as construction costs. Reports show that China provided $7 billion in loans and investments to Colombo between 2004 and 2014. Sri Lanka has allowed Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 to dock at Hambantota port in 2022. This angered Western countries and India. Is Mahinda Rajapaksha, no longer in power, trying to influence India, or is Colombo sending the right signals to New Delhi through parallel diplomacy?