According to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, as the region gains prominence, many countries are becoming active in the Indian Ocean in an attempt to expand their influence.
He was responding to a question about the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, ‘Yuan Wang 5,’ which had been granted access to Hambantota Port.
He did, however, state that the Indian Ocean would not become a new flashpoint between India and China.
The External Affairs Minister stated that while India must protect its national interests, it cannot claim exclusivity in the region.
He stated that India’s neighbours are culturally and economically connected.
According to the External Affairs Minister, India is the only neighbor who has assisted Sri Lanka in dealing with the IMF during the ongoing economic crisis.
