Sri Lanka, Sept. 18 -- The Print, 17 September 2026: A high-level political dialogue between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, supported by the Indian government, followed by a joint mechanism for cooperation would be a useful first step.

The waters of the Palk Strait have long connected India and Sri Lanka, but they have also been a source of tension. Today, they could provide an opportunity for a different kind of cooperation.

India and Sri Lanka have a good relationship and maintain a regular political dialogue. Defence, maritime and economic cooperation have expanded in recent years. The more complicated dimension has historically been the relationship between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

The legacy of the separatist conflict continues to inf...