Sri Lanka crisis: Military intervention possible? Experts analyse

Sri Lanka is undergoing its worst financial crisis in decades, which has caused a breakdown of everyday life, and essential services. The country has no fuel to run buses or trains, a state of emergency has been declared, and protestors occupy the island nation's official residences for heads of state.

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country - and interim President, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also been called upon to resign by protestors - a power vacuum has been created at the top in Sri Lanka.

The military and police have requested the Speaker of Parliament to call an all-party leaders' meeting, and ensure a political resolution in the current conflict. However, former Army chief and Member of Parliament Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has urged the country's armed forces to not follow the orders of acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he says directives issued by the PM were “against the Constitution.”

Also Watch: Sanath Jayasuriya says mismanagement has caused the disaster in Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka's closest neighbour, India is monitoring the situation closely. Should India be concerned about possible military intervention in Sri Lanka? Could a military power-play lead to Lanka becoming closer to China? Political and economic experts discuss with Vikram Chandra.

Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.