During a webinar organized by the Pathfinder Foundation, the former Minister of State for External Affairs of India, M.J. Akbar, highlighted India’s expectation for Sri Lanka and other independent nations in the region to prioritize the safety of neighboring countries when formulating policy decisions.
Akbar made these remarks while discussing the expansion of India’s influence beyond its traditional neighborhood. He emphasized that India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy is rooted in mutual understanding among nations in the region.
Acknowledging Sri Lanka as an independent country with its own perspectives, Akbar underscored the importance of considering India’s security concerns in the decision-making process. He urged Sri Lanka to recognize the interdependence of nations and to factor in regional security considerations when shaping its policies.
