New Delhi, May 10 -- In a single week, Sri Lanka has hosted two strategically important leaders from the region, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives and Vietnamese President To Lam, signaling that the island-nation is emerging once again as a focal point in Indian Ocean diplomacy.

Sri Lanka, while grappling with local challenges ranging from low-quality coal, high-priced gas and suicides of suspects in major financial frauds, successfully boosted it's international image in the field on international affairs, stressing the imperative of keeping the Indian Ocean region peaceful amidst increasing power rivalries.

President Muizzu's state visit to Sri Lanka from May 3-6, followed immediately by President To Lam's visit on May 7-8, ref...