Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has elaborated on his administration’s new foreign policy, stating that he doesn’t want to be caught between India and China.

When asked about his foreign policy, Anura, a Marxist-leaning firebrand leader sworn in as the ninth president of the island nation, told Monocle Magazine that both countries were valued friends. “There are many power camps within a multipolar system. We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned with any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners,” Anura added, stressing that Sri Lanka also wanted close relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa.

His statement comes amid apprehensions in New Delhi that Anura’s presidency might alter the geopolitics in the region as he is considered to be close to China. Regional analysts claim the JVP’s plan to continue with the IMF with certain amendments and the stance on the investments made by the Adani in Sri Lanka hints that Anura’s plans to alter the existing relations with India.

Also read: Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lankan president. What does it mean for India?

However in his exclusive interview to THE WEEK, just ahead of the voting day, Anura sounded positive in engaging with India, adding that Sri Lanka’s approach to India will reflect its significant role in geopolitics.

“India has made impressive strides in both economy and technology, and it is crucial to our development and regional security. We will carefully consider how our economic measures impact our country, recognising the importance of India’s support in our development efforts,” he added.

He also allayed fears of Chinese influence in the region working against India’s stability, stating that he would ensure that Sri Lanka’s sea, land and airspace are not used in ways that threaten India or regional stability.

Anura said that though both countries were striving to exert their influence in the island nation, understanding its strategic significance, Sri Lanka’s approach will be to safeguard regional security while leveraging economic opportunities to our advantage. “However, we are committed to maintaining our sovereignty and will not become subordinate to any power in this geopolitical race. We believe in adopting a strong foreign policy that aligns with the global conditions and serves our national interests effectively,” he told THE WEEK.

(With inputs from Lakshmi Subramanian)