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India gifts military radars to Sri Lanka
Tuesday, 27 June 2006 - 8:56 AM SL Time
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NEW DELHI: After about six years, India has resumed its defence ties with Sri Lanka with the commissioning of two military radars to secure the island-nation against low-level aerial attacks.
The decision to gift the indigenously made Indra radars was made late last year following reports that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was scouting the global arms market for air assets. At present, the LTTE is believed to possess a couple of micro light aircraft. It had also developed two airstrips in the area under its control.
The last time India provided military capabilities to Sri Lanka was in 2000, when it gifted a fast attack craft, to help maintain sea dominance in general and check LTTE activities in particular.
Confirming the installation of the radars, non-military sources said the gift fell under the category of `defensive and non-lethal equipment` and was in line with India`s policy to help the militaries of neighbouring countries to counter threats from non-state actors.
Similar assistance
The sources said India recently gifted a war ship to the Maldives to patrol its island territories more effectively. Similar assistance was being provided or would be given to other neighbouring countries such as Seychelles, the Mauritius and Myanmar. Radars that could locate artillery and mortar gun positions across the border were the first Government-to-Government sale by the United States to India after sanctions were lifted in 2000. Internationally, even Japan was considering lifting its 60-year-old ban on military sales by gifting frigates stripped of their weaponry to some South-East Asian countries to help counter threats from pirates and poachers.
The decision to gift the radars was taken on the eve of Sri Lankan President Mahendra Rajapakse`s maiden visit to India in December last but was not disclosed by the defence establishment. In response to a query, however, Defence Ministry sources confirmed the transfer of the radars. India too is inducting Indra radars under the Air Defence Ground Environment System plan to improve low-level detection capability especially in peninsular India.
India hastened to provide the radars after Pakistan began showing interest in improving Sri Lanka`s aerial detection capabilities. The offer was first made during the former External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh`s visit to Colombo over a year ago.
India had generally refrained from extending military assistance to Sri Lanka after stopping supplies in the mid-1980s. But sources were unable to say if the current transfer by the Indian Air Force would mark the beginning of the supply of more `non-lethal and defensive military` equipment to that country.
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vinivida
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27 Jun 2006 02:00:13 GMT Report for Abuse
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This is something to be appreciated.
India owes big-time for Sri Lanka and this should be the first step in that direction... TO FORGET THe past and start a new era.
Sri Lankans dearly follow two great religions born in India and it's another solid reason why India should, in turn have close friendship and relationship with Sri Lanka.
India can and must take a clear stand supporting the LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT, instead of sending mixed signals to various groups that day-dream of finding solutions for petty issues through THIRD PARTIES such as India.
In short, India should act RESPONSIBLY.
Edited By - vinivida - 27 Jun 2006 02:11:02 GMT |
Bheesan
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27 Jun 2006 02:04:55 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Now we cannot depend on Sri Lankan intelligence services, India must supply the comple intelligence work. RAW must involve heavily if India wants to safeguard their personnel. Now that on the pretext of refugges LTTE packing Tamilnadu with LTTE spies. |
Thambi
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27 Jun 2006 02:06:45 GMT Report for Abuse
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India should help TAMIL EELAM in srilanak !
or Make a Bangladesh out of SRILANKA !
let the hidden policy work rightly ! thanks to India .
Edited By - Thambi - 27 Jun 2006 02:07:10 GMT |
vinivida
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27 Jun 2006 02:16:11 GMT Report for Abuse
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Thambi,
India should help TAMIL EELAM in srilanak !
or Make a Bangladesh out of SRILANKA !
let the hidden policy work rightly ! thanks to India .
50 Years of boot licking of India didn't get anything for certain Tamils leaders... And you are still hoping and dreaming for enlightenment through them?
As you can see now, India is realizing how to play its cards!
Edited By - vinivida - 27 Jun 2006 02:48:28 GMT |
Bheesan
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27 Jun 2006 03:42:07 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Cobra, even before that these mass murderers were rescued by Rajiv from complete annihilation at Wadamarachchi. There luck is fast running out. |
Berty
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27 Jun 2006 03:53:44 GMT Report for Abuse
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When Pakistan is involved with ARM deals in Sri Lanka, there is NO WAY India will get involved!!
These Milatry Radars may be obsolute items!! easy way to get rid of is to GIFT them to POOR SRI LANKA. Lolz! |
Bheesan
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27 Jun 2006 03:59:33 GMT Report for Abuse
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| India won't directly involve in our conflict because of the Tamilnadu votes for congress. But they will get the work done through Pakistan. There is a good understanding between Musharef and India now. They both work for development of the region not for MAD (mutually agredd destruction) work. |
GamaRaala
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27 Jun 2006 04:00:12 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Rajiv saved Sun God in 1987 at Wadamarachchi. As a guesture of appreciation, Sun God helped Rajiv reaching the heavens without any pain in 1992 at Tiruttan. |
AnilSV
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27 Jun 2006 04:02:15 GMT Report for Abuse
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Cancel the deal with India & get it either from
Pakistan or China instead. don't let India to
spy on us using these hi-tech equipments. just think
why India wanna give this to us all of a sudden.
coz they don't want any listeners, radars in their
backyard from the countries who posses a threat
to India.
India is not a true friend of SL, it showz even by
nominating a candidate for the UN top job.
AnilSV. |
Gaja
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27 Jun 2006 04:25:09 GMT Report for Abuse
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If India is worried about the Tigers it shows the might of the Tigers.
Gaja Lakshmi Paramasivam from Australia |
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