Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Sri Lankan President, during his recent visit to India exchanged views on host of geo-strategic issues besides trade and culture;
(b) whether in addition, they agreed to promote dialogue on security and defence issues of relevance to bilateral relationship and enhance high level military exchanges and training of military personnel as well as impart additional training in Indian institution of newly recruited police personnel;
(c) whether both the countries also agreed to institute an annual defence dialogue between them;
(d) if so, the agreements reached and signed; and
(e) the steps that are being taken to implement agreements reached?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (e) President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka visited India from June 8-11, 2010. A Joint Declaration was issued by both sides. The discussions covered the entire gamut of our relations with Sri Lanka, including security and defence relations. During the visit both sides agreed to promote dialogue on security and defence issues of relevance to their bilateral relationship, and enhance high-level military exchanges and training of military personnel as well as impart additional training in Indian institutions for the newly recruited police personnel. They agreed to institute an annual defence dialogue between the two governments.

Several bilateral initiatives were also taken. There was a mutual commitment to enhancing connectivity, promote economic integration and closer developmental cooperation. The following MoUs/Agreement/Treaty were signed during the visit:

i) Renewal of MoU on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Small Development Schemes between India and Sri Lanka;
ii) MoU on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners;
iii) Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters;
iv) MoU on Setting up of a Women’s Trade Facilitation Centre & Community Learning Centre at Batticaloa;
v) Renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP);
vi) MoU On Interconnection of Electricity Grids; and
vii) MoU on Talaimannar-Madhu Railway Line.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116431.

Rajya Sabha

Sri Lanka

South Asia