India, caught off-guard with the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka’s premier. Following this India has opened immediate diplomatic and political contacts with the tyrant who came close to China during his previous tenure as the President.

The tear-shaped island, which is located on the southern tip of India, has become a field of tussle between New Delhi, India and Beijing, China. China as a part of their Belt and Road Initiative of transport links as well as trade links in Asia has developed ports, highways, and power stations.

When Rajapaksa was the President, he had opened the country’s main port to the Chinese naval submarines and this action angered India. Hence, Rajapaksa’s returning to power again in a surprise action made by current President Maithripala Sirisena is a thing to worry for New Delhi. New Delhi is anticipating that China would toughen its grip on the island that exists along the busy shipping lanes.

A specialist working on the India- China ties at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi stated that this is an advantageous time for China.

China’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was the first diplomat to meet Rajapaksa after he sworned in as the prime minister. Cheng also conveyed a congratulatory message of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Rajapaksa.

On Friday Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sacked by Sirisena and Rajapaksa was named as the new Prime Minister. Thereby, breaking the fragile coalition ruling the island.

Indian diplomats were in touch with Rajapaksa’s camp; signaling that they were eager to do business with the new PM provided his office was in line with the constitution of the nation. A spokesman of Indian foreign ministry stated that India would boost their developmental assistance to Sri Lankan people. Moreover, India is looking forward to an international opposition against China’s rapacious practices.

For China, Sri Lanka is an crucial in order to get a foothold in the Indian Ocean. However, with Rajapaksa coming to power can draw moiré Chinese funds to Sri Lanka.