Sri Lanka allows a Chinese research ship to dock as neighboring India’s security concerns grow
Associated PressCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A Chinese research ship docked at a Sri Lankan port on Wednesday, likely adding to neighboring India’s concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. China has been trying to expand its influence in Sri Lanka, which is located on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes in what India considers part of its strategic backyard. But Sri Lanka’s economic collapse last year provided an opportunity for India as New Delhi stepped in with massive financial and material assistance. Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka reached an agreement with Export-Import Bank of China on key terms and principles for restructuring its debt, an important step toward unlocking a second installment of a $2.9 billion package from the International Monetary Fund aimed at helping the island nation from its dire economic crisis.