Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India voted in favour of resolution against Sri Lanka on Human Rights in the UNHRC session held recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(c) the likely impact of China voting against the resolution, on the relations between India and Sri Lanka; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to strengthen the bilateral ties with Sri Lanka?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) India voted in favour of the resolution ‘Promotion, Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Geneva on 22 March 2012. The vote was in line with the Government’s consistent stand to advance the objective, namely, the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect.

(c) & (d) India enjoys close, cordial and friendly relations with neighbouring Sri Lanka with whom it shares historic, civilisational and cultural links. Today, India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner overall and Sri Lanka is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia. India has emerged as the largest foreign direct investor in Sri Lanka. India also contributes to the largest number of tourists arrivals in Sri Lanka. The close relationship has been further strengthened by high level visits, including those of the Minister of External Affairs in January 2012; Joint Parliamentary Delegation in April 2012; Minister of Rural Development and Drinking Water and Sanitation in July 2012; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles in August 2012; and Minister of Culture in August 2012.

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Sri Lanka

South Asia