Examine the statements below and select the most appropriate option.
Assertion (A): India's Dornier aircraft aid and OCC role show a shift in its development partnership with Sri Lanka towards defence focus.
Reason (R): President Disanayaka declined India's maritime security assistance and requested only cultural and financial cooperation.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. A is true, but R is false.
Assertion (A) is correct as India’s gifting of Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft and its role as the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) co-chair highlight a strategic shift. India is integrating security assistance with economic stability to bolster its "Neighbourhood First" policy. However, Reason (R) is incorrect because President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has not declined maritime security assistance. In fact, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to the Colombo Security Conclave, emphasizing shared maritime safety, counter-terrorism, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.