Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry reaffirmed his nation’s dedication to upholding Bharat’s national security interests. He asserted on Colombo’s responsibility as a neighbour, declaring that Sri Lanka will staunchly oppose any threat to Bharat’s security.
Furthermore, the Minister addressed Bharat’s apprehensions regarding the presence of Chinese research vessels in Sri Lankan waters. He expressed the desire for transparent collaboration with other nations but underscored that such cooperation should not jeopardise the interests of any party.
“We have very clearly stated that we would like to work with all countries, but any reasonable concerns regarding Indian security will be taken into note, and we will not allow anyone to harm that. Subject to that, of course, in a very transparent manner, we would like to work with all countries,” stated the Minister.
“I just got to know that recently China has become Bharat’s biggest trading partner. So similarly, like you work with that. We would also like to work with everyone, but that should not come at anyone else, third parties cost. So therefore, let me reiterate, as a responsible neighbour and a civilizational partner we will not undertake anything that would harm the legitimate security concerns of India,” he added.
On the Lok Sabha elections in Bharat, Ali Sabry remarked, “It’s a celebration of democracy, the largest democracy in the world. Indian people are educated. Indian people will know what is good for them. I think when it comes to elections, it is domestic matter. It is the public, who must decide and others only should watch. We see this celebration is taking place of a democracy. We want a peaceful conclusion of this and we will work with any outcome with the Indian public decide.”
Bharat had flagged security concerns last year over the presence of the vessel at the Sri Lankan port as it was shown as a research vessel with the capacity to map the ocean bed, which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. The Chinese research ship had docked at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while commenting on Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 which had docked in Sri Lanka, said any developments that have a bearing on Bharat’s security are “obviously of an interest to us”.
“What happens in our neighbourhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security, obviously are of an interest to us,” Jaishankar said at a joint press conference after the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting.
