Colombo - A Chinese research vessel, identified as the 'Shi Yan 6', is set to dock at Sri Lanka's Colombo port in the near future. The decision to grant permission for the ship's arrival has been made by the Sri Lankan government, as highlighted by the prominent English daily, The Daily Mirror. However, this move has raised apprehensions in India.

Insiders suggest that the ship is slated to make its port call in October at the Colombo Port. Colonel Nalin Herath, the Media Director of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense, has disclosed that the permission for the ship's docking was given in response to a request from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). NARA intends to engage in research activities in collaboration with the Chinese research vessel. Notably, the exact date of the ship's arrival remains uncertain.

The 'Shi Yan 6' has been characterized as a scientific research vessel with a crew of 60 individuals. It is equipped to conduct investigations in fields such as oceanography, marine ecology, and marine geology, as outlined by China's state broadcaster CGTN.

In the past, a similar incident involving a Chinese research vessel called the Yuan Wang 5 had caused concerns for India. This vessel, specialized in spacecraft tracking, had docked at the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, leading to objections from India on the grounds of potential espionage. Eventually, the vessel berthed at the Chinese-established Hambantota Port after waiting in international waters for a brief period.

Recent times have also witnessed the arrival of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO in Sri Lanka. This visit, initially delayed due to Indian concerns, lasted for two days.

Sri Lanka, facing financial difficulties, considers both China and India as significant partners in its efforts to address external debt challenges. China has emerged as a major lender to Sri Lanka, with the nation owing a substantial debt, including a considerable amount to China itself. The negotiations for restructuring Sri Lanka's debt, both domestic and international, are a pressing matter that must be concluded by September, coinciding with the International Monetary Fund's assessment of the bailout provided earlier this year.

The island nation's financial crisis in 2022, a historic event since its independence, was marked by severe shortages in foreign exchange reserves.