By IANS
New Delhi : There can be no military solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, the Indian defence ministry said in its annual report submitted to parliament Thursday.
“We have recently seen an increase in violence, tension and conflict in Sri Lanka. We strongly believe that there is no military solution,” the report said.
“What is required is a settlement of the political, constitutional and other issues within the framework of a united Sri Lanka which addresses the concerns of all communities, especially the ethnic minority,” it added.
Referring to the training of foreign personnel, it said that INS Kirshna proceeded on a sea training mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives from Sep 21 to Oct 3, 2007.
“The sortie was aimed at training personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy and the Maldivian Coast Guard. Forty-two cadets/midshipmen from the Sri Lankan Navy and five cadets from the Maldivian Coast Guard were trained onboard, at sea, in general navigation, bridgemanship and seamanship evolutions. The trainees were also imparted training in damage control and fire fighting as well as casualty evacuation.”
The report added that India’s defence relations in the fields of training and supplies with Sri Lanka had expanded.
In 2007, Sri Lankan Defence Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited India in May and September, it added.