by Our Correspondent in New Delhi
The Rising Bharat Summit 2025 unfolded as a timely convergence of ambition, reflection, and regional introspection, as two young South Asian leaders—Namal Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and Mariya Didi of the Maldives—joined the stage for a session titled “The South Asian Platter: A Menu for Growth.” Hosted against the backdrop of escalating global trade tensions, with Donald Trump’s new tariffs shaking international economic frameworks, the discussion centered on a crucial question: Why does South Asia, despite its population, proximity, and potential, continue to talk about “untapped growth”?
Opening the session with warmth and wit, the host welcomed the audience with, “Namaskar, welcome to Rising Bharat. I hope you’ve all had breakfast. If you haven’t, we have the South Asian platter for you.” This introduction, both literal and symbolic, set the tone for a wide-ranging conversation about the economic, political, and strategic challenges and opportunities that confront South Asia today. The first issue on the table was the global response to Trump’s tariff announcement. While the European Union quickly coordinated a joint stance and ASEAN followed suit, South Asia remained notably silent. “It did not come as a surprise,” the host observed, “because most would agree that the South Asian experiment is not going anywhere. There are too many divisions, too many rivalries, too much suspicion.”
Yet both Rajapaksa and Didi refused to resign themselves to such pessimism. Mariya Didi challenged the narrative head-on. “It is a very misconceived concept nowadays,” she said of the idea that South Asia is lagging behind. “The place is becoming very different. It’s very vibrant, magnetic… A lot of people in other countries see our part of the world as poverty and chaos. But it’s not the case.” She emphasized that once people visit South Asia, they are struck by the brilliance and hard work of its citizens, and the commitment to using available resources to elevate their countries. Her tone was not defensive, but proud—firm in her belief that the region is evolving faster than its critics realize.
Namal Rajapaksa brought a similarly hopeful, though pragmatic, perspective to the table. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, he pointed out that India’s increasing influence and global standing could be a catalyst for regional cooperation. “Today, India has become one of the largest economies in the world and a growing superpower. Countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives—all of us can benefit from that, if we go on the right path,” he stated. Rajapaksa argued that South Asian countries have historically focused too much on global alignments, particularly within frameworks like the WTO, while ignoring the regional partnerships that could provide more stability and growth. “The traditional WTO models are shifting,” he said. “Countries are focusing more on regional cooperation and government-to-government relationships.”
This focus on regional unity and self-reliance led to a deeper discussion on Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis. When asked whether the country had learned from its mistakes, Rajapaksa admitted that the problems stemmed from delayed and politically obstructed development projects. “Sampur was supposed to be started in 2014-15. Umayya was delayed due to Iranian funding,” he explained. These delays, he said, created an energy crisis that eventually snowballed into a financial one by 2022. But he remained optimistic: “This is the time that the region should get together. Indian Ocean countries must build new partnerships in trade and logistics.” For a country like Sri Lanka, where maritime commerce is critical, the impact of international disruptions is immediate and severe. Rajapaksa stressed the importance of forming new alliances with regional neighbors to protect these vital sectors.
Mariya Didi took this idea further, discussing the strategic position of the Maldives in global trade. “We are 99.78% water,” she noted, emphasizing the geographical and logistical challenges that come with that. The Maldives sits along one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, through which around 40% of global trade passes. “We’ve always relied on our friends, our neighbours, to help us police our vast territory,” she said. According to Didi, ensuring the safety of these sea lanes is not just a Maldivian concern, but a regional one. “It is imperative that we work together… share our resources, build trust, and have joint exercises,” she said. Her message was one of unity, reinforced by imagery: “The wave that beats on the south coast of India and Sri Lanka beats on our shores as well.”
The conversation inevitably turned to China, a power that has reshaped the geopolitical and economic landscape of South Asia. With billions of dollars invested in infrastructure, the presence of Chinese “research vessels,” and increasing political influence, the question was posed directly: Is China a reliable partner, or a strategic concern? Rajapaksa offered a balanced response. “We must look at which investment gives the best return for the people of Sri Lanka,” he said. “It’s not about who it’s coming from—it’s about what’s in our best interest.” He acknowledged that there was a time when India wasn’t economically strong enough to invest in Sri Lanka, which created a vacuum that China filled. “But in the last 5–10 years, India has been the biggest investor in Sri Lanka,” he noted. He pointed to recent developments like the Adani Group’s port in Colombo and a $5 billion annual trade volume as signs of growing Indian involvement.
Didi, however, was more cautious. “Our foreign policy is very confused at the moment,” she admitted. “You see the president visit China, then India… but at the end of the day, which country is not ‘first’ for themselves?” She reaffirmed her trust in India as a more reliable long-term partner. “India is our 911 call,” she repeated. “You have always been like an elder sister to us.” Her respect for India’s patience and leadership was evident, particularly in the way she described Modi’s maturity in dealing with turbulent relations. “Even when we have been childish, India has risen above it,” she said.
This brought up the controversial India Out campaign, which once strained relations between Malé and New Delhi. Didi was quick to downplay its significance. “It wasn’t at a people level,” she said. “It was just some political thing, a distraction from local issues.” She insisted that the cultural and social ties between the two nations remain intact. “We have always come to India for medical treatment. We have family ties, trade ties, tourism… Even yesterday, the plane I took to come here was full of Indian tourists.”
Shifting from policy to personality, the moderator noted that both guests represent a new wave of leadership in the region. Rajapaksa, for instance, has ventured into unconventional political spaces—from managing a football team in Kashmir to supporting tech innovation. But his last name ties him to one of Sri Lanka’s most controversial political dynasties. When asked if this makes reform harder, he responded thoughtfully. “Politics is not an easy profession,” he said. “Circumstances change, and we must reform with them.” For Rajapaksa, political legacy is only as meaningful as the work that comes after it. “It’s all about how you project yourself and how you face it.”
As the session neared its end, the mood lightened with a rapid-fire round. Asked to describe South Asia in one word, Rajapaksa chose, “Paradise.” If used properly, he said, “it can be a superpower in the future.” Didi was asked to choose between India and China as the better long-term partner. Without hesitation, she said, “Naturally, India.” For her, it was not even a debate. On the best path forward for Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa highlighted “tech and tourism,” while Didi named “Prime Minister Modi” as a South Asian leader she admires, praising his global vision and neighborhood-first ethos.
The final moments of the discussion captured the shared spirit of the session. Asked what South Asia needs most right now, Rajapaksa answered, “Cooperation, partnership.” When prompted if the region was up for the challenge, his response was clear and resolute: “Yeah, of course.”
