New Delhi: Sri Lanka has “reassured” that it would not do anything against the security interest of India, the government on Wednesday said, in the backdrop of visits by a Chinese submarine to Colombo port.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed Lok Sabha that the government has taken up with Sri Lanka the recent visits of a Chinese submarine in Colombo and the neighbouring country has informed that the vessel visited for “replenishment” purposes.
“A conventional Chinese submarine berthed at Colombo Port from September 7-13 and October 31-November 6, 2014. Government of India closely monitors foreign military presence in India's neighbourhood…
“Government has taken up with Sri Lanka the recent visits of the Chinese submarine in Colombo. Government of Sri Lanka has informed that the submarine visited Colombo for replenishment purposes and has reassured that the government of Sri Lanka will not do anything against the security interest of India,” Swaraj said while replying to a written question.
She said that India and Sri Lanka share a strong and multi-faceted relationship and cooperate closely on various issues, including defence and security aspects.
“Government of India will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard India's security and sovereignty,” she said.
