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Against the backdrop of global political discourse surrounding Sri Lanka's rescue operation for an Iranian ship amidst the US-Iran conflict, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath successfully drew global attention to Sri Lanka's neutral foreign policy at the 11th Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi.
Moderator:
Minister Vijitha Herath, how does Sri Lanka view the American attack and the military operations conducted by major powers close to your maritime borders? How do you manage security and sovereignty? How do you see the American operations happening near Sri Lankan territorial waters, and what does it mean for your security and sovereignty?
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath:
I think we should follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has established international laws. It has two main components. The blue economic framework of IORA and the strategic agenda on climate change are also part of it. At the 24th Council meeting held in 2025, we adopted those two points.
Therefore, if we can re-establish international laws, we as a country can face any challenge. Sri Lanka faces many challenges, just as all other countries do. Therefore, we need to strengthen and implement these international laws.
Regarding the blue economy, it is very important. Indeed, the blue economy promotes the sustainable use and management of marine resources. That is its importance. We should have a robust awareness program among other regional countries about the significance of the blue economy, how to protect it, and how to develop the sector. There must definitely be a structural transformation regarding how the blue economy operates, and it must be in accordance with international laws.
Regarding climate change, it directly impacts the economy and its sustainability. As External Affairs Minister Mr. Jaishankar mentioned, Sri Lanka recently faced a cyclone. That is a prime example. From it, we realize how we can confront such challenges. One country cannot face these challenges alone. Therefore, there must be a regional organization and a regional mechanism. If we are facing economic challenges or issues regarding maritime security, we cannot tackle them alone.
Therefore, as a region and globally, we must address them together. So, according to international laws, especially UNCLOS, we must re-establish our blue economic framework and strategic action plan on climate change. If all countries follow UNCLOS, such a situation will not arise. As a country that has faced numerous challenges, we believe we are paying greater attention to maintaining a clean environment and implementing this transformation.
We believe that utilizing information structures to activate our IORA blue economic framework and climate change strategic agenda is the approach we should take. Furthermore, several more steps need to be taken in the future. As a country, that is the stance we hold.
Moderator:
It is amazing how you evaded my question, so I will do a short... yes. I will do a quick follow-up. This is a question that can be answered with a "yes" or "no." Are you going to deport the Iranian officials back to Iran, or are you facing pressure from the United States to hand them over to encourage them to defect? Minister.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath:
Yes. I want to emphasize that proximity again... That is why I am re-emphasizing UNCLOS, because we follow those international laws. Even in relation to that incident, we are taking steps based on those international laws. We follow international law, and all the steps we have taken are in accordance with it. Furthermore, I believe we shouldn't take sides with any party. All the steps we took were done in a humanitarian manner. Therefore, we act according to international laws.
Moderator:
I will accept that answer.
Dr. Jaishankar, an Iranian ship with 183 sailors is anchored in Kochi. And India... I know there have been many statements and discussions regarding what happened and India's support. But how do you view this entire incident? I understand that India is not politically or militarily responsible for the security of that ship, yet it happened very close to our borders, our maritime boundaries.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar:
Well, I also support UNCLOS and international law. So I don't want you to have any doubts about that. But having said that, look, this is the situation. These ships were there, and we received a message from the Iranian side that one ship, which was closest to our maritime border at that moment, needed to enter our port.
They were reporting that they were facing certain issues. To my recollection, this happened on the 28th, and on the 1st we said, 'Okay, you can come.' It took them a few days to sail and arrive, after which they anchored in Kochi. The ship is there, and my understanding is that many of the personnel on board are young cadets. They have disembarked and are staying at a nearby facility.
So we saw this... look at this ship or these ships, because there were two other ships as well. I mean, the situation was completely different when they left and came here. They came for a fleet review. Then they somehow got caught on the wrong side of events. Therefore, for us, when this ship needed to enter amid those difficulties, I think it was the humanitarian thing to do. And I think we were guided by that principle.
When considering the other ships, clearly, one ship faced a similar situation in Sri Lanka as well, and they made the decision they took. Furthermore, one unfortunately couldn't be saved. So I think... whatever the legal issues might be, we approached it more from a humanitarian perspective. And I think we did the right thing.
