India eyes airport in Sri Lanka, near Chinese Belt and Road outpost

Beijing's projects, backed by loans extended by Chinese govt and initiated by a previous Sri Lankan govt, have faced widespread opposition in Sri Lanka

India is in advanced talks with Sri Lanka to operate an airport on the southern tip of the island, where China has invested heavily as part of its Belt and Road initiative, a Sri Lankan minister said.

Sri Lanka's Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala said the country had been looking for alternative investors in the Hambantota area, where China has built a seaport and is in discussions to build an investment zone and a refinery.

"It was during this time India came up with a proposal," Siripala had said on Monday. 

"They were ready for a joint venture with the Airport and Aviation