Lanka identified as a partner in Indo-Pacific defence umbrella

Amid Sri Lanka's denials of China’s plans to set up a military base on its soil, following such a claim in the 2024 threat assessment report by the US Intelligence Community, a recent issue of the IndoPacific Defense Forum, a US military magazine, has identified Sri Lanka as a partner in the Indo-Pacific defence umbrella.

The magazine in a special pullout titled “USINDOPACOM Force Locations, Exercises and Engagements," has published an IndoPacific map outlining the type of military engagement the United States Indo-Pacific Command has planned to conduct with partner countries.

Under Sri Lanka, four types of military engagements are given: CARAT Sri Lanka, Pacific Partnership, MAREX and Pacific Angel. CARAT refers to Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. MAREX means maritime exercise. Pacific Angel is a multinational military exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The pullout also carries a write-up on a network of allies and partners. “The U.S.’s network of allies and partners is foundational to strategic and integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Deterrence is real and strong because the U.S. military remains the world’s most capable fighting force, and its allies and partners provide the greatest asymmetric advantage, built upon shared values, trust and respect. Alliances, multilateral arrangements, partnerships, friendships, and relationships are essential components of regional security,” the writeup explains.

It also says, “USINDOPACOM continues to strengthen all layers of this network through increased security cooperation, advanced training and complex, multilateral initiatives. These activities, in turn, increase interoperability, build capacity and enhance shared security, while reinforcing the rulesbased international order and building theaterwide capabilities through information-sharing that strengthens alliances and partnerships.”

Also included as a partner is the Maldives, which has been improving its defence cooperation with China, since President Muhammad Muizzu took office in November last year. In keeping with a campaign promise, he asked an Indian military contingent operating an air ambulance service in a Maldivian atoll to leave the country. The Indian troops left the archipelago last week.

Of course, given the growing India-US military ties, India is slated for six different military exercises under the USINDOPACOM umbrella. Other South Asian countries included in the map are Bangladesh and Nepal.