Indian authorities have detained several Sri Lankan nationals at an airport after receiving a tip-off about their alleged connections to the terrorist group ISIS. The arrests highlight the ongoing threat of terror networks in South Asia.
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India Arrests Sri Lankans Suspected of ISIS Ties
Indian authorities have apprehended a group of Sri Lankan nationals at an airport based on intelligence indicating their potential involvement with the extremist group ISIS. The arrests occurred in India, a region grappling with the rising influence of terror organizations.
India's neutral stance toward the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been met with mixed reactions. While India has maintained its position of calling for a peaceful resolution, its lack of condemnation of Russia's invasion has drawn criticism from some quarters. Russia, on the other hand, has strengthened its ties with India's rival China.
India Arrests Sri Lankans Suspected of ISIS Ties
Meanwhile, India and Russia share close economic and defense ties. Russia remains a significant trading partner and supplier of military equipment to India. With the West imposing sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, India has emerged as a major importer of Russian oil, acquiring over 40% of its oil imports from the nation.
Despite the economic ties, India's relationship with Russia has faced strains due to Moscow's burgeoning relationship with China. India has been wary of China's growing assertiveness in the region, particularly following the 2020 border confrontation between the two countries.
As tensions between India and China persist, New Delhi has been diversifying its defense purchases, procuring military equipment from the US, Israel, France, and Italy. However, Russia continues to be a prominent supplier of military hardware to India.
While India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, its leaders have met with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing the need for negotiations to end the conflict.
On the economic front, India and Russia are exploring opportunities to enhance trade, including the development of a maritime corridor between the Indian port of Chennai and Vladivostok, the gateway to Russia's Far East. Trade between the two nations has witnessed a notable increase, reaching approximately $65 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
India's imports from Russia have surged to $60 billion, while its exports to the nation stand at $4 billion during the same period. To address the trade imbalance, India is actively seeking to boost its exports to Russia.
The arrests of Sri Lankan nationals suspected of ISIS ties serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terror networks in South Asia. India's efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability are crucial in the face of these challenges.
