Chinese presence in SL could pose a threat, keeping close watch: Indian Navy

19 June 2021 03:11 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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With the Chinese Navy getting new port projects in Sri Lanka, a top Indian Navy officer said that it 'could pose a threat' to Indian interests in the region and there is a need to keep a close watch on such activities.

In an interview with ANI, Navy vice-chief vice-admiral G Ashok Kumar said the Indian Navy is very well prepared to secure the maritime boundaries of the country and there is no way anyone can surprise us.

"If you want to analyse whether it is a threat or not, it is a very difficult question. But the fact that when somebody is external to the region starts showing so much interest even though they might have rational reasons to do so as the majority of their energy sources pass through this region ... Is it a logical thing for nations to do, yes? Could that pose a threat to us, it could. We just need to ensure that it is being closely watched," he said on Friday, responding to a query on whether China's getting hold of a new port in Sri Lanka could pose a threat to India.

Asked if the Indian Navy was keeping a close watch on such activities, he said, "Yes, on the entire region."

The Chinese have been making inroads in Sri Lanka where they recently got a reclaimed port city near Colombo. Prior to that, they gained control over the Hambantota port which was built by them.

Responding to a query on whether the Chinese could surprise us through the sea route as they did along the northern waters last year, he said that after the 26/11 attack on Mumbai, India had taken a number of steps like installation of coastal security network and had enhanced surveillance capabilities.

"The chances of we getting surprised in the maritime domain to have reduced... we are much better prepared today than what we were a decade ago," the vice-admiral said.

He said that the Indian Navy is a capability-driven force and more strength would be added to it in form of new assets in the near future.

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Comments - 21

Ricky Saturday, 19 June 2021 03:54 PM

This will really anger the pro CCP people in Sri Lanka.

Joshua Saturday, 19 June 2021 04:16 PM

yes, better watch out.

Fatima Lai Saturday, 19 June 2021 04:21 PM

If China wants to attack India, they don't really need our portcity because China has gone too far away for India to challenge them. India is just jealous of SL port city project.

K tunga Sunday, 20 June 2021 05:44 PM

Pakistani spotted

Sunil Saturday, 19 June 2021 04:27 PM

India did not stop war for 30 years, now the karma is going to work against them. Mills of God grinds slowly but surely.

BuffaloaCitizen Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:46 PM

Actually karma is more on Sri Lanka who fought a war killing own Jaffna Tamils for 30 years but in the end sold the sovereignty of the nation to China. Karma has made Sri Lanka a bankrupt nation even borrowing from Bangladesh.

Gayan Saturday, 19 June 2021 05:13 PM

If you want to fight China go ahead and fight directly. Don't bring SL into your petty politics

Face it Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:25 PM

No country wanted war into their own country, so they want to check their supper power in Sri Lanka.

Kumar Saturday, 19 June 2021 05:39 PM

Chinese presence is going to be a great threat to Srilanka as well. Just watch how they are handling Hong Kong and planning to do the same for Taiwan.

Rene Saturday, 19 June 2021 05:46 PM

Try treat to your people decent way they are in peril how on earth you treat your own people so low, it brings tears to my eyes

Truth matter Saturday, 19 June 2021 05:54 PM

Unfortunately Sri Lanka has failed to create non- alliance diplomatic relationship between regional and international powers . We cannot afford to alienate any one around us. We need all .. Sri Lanka is a small country but it is in a strategic place in Asia. Both China and India need it so we must know how to maintain our regional diplomacy without angering either of them .. We need shrewd diplomatic skills of late PM Srimavo Bandaranaike. She was shrewd enough to win hearts and minds of Indians and Chinese both at one time .

Horunge horu Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:23 PM

Rather deal with like minded Indians than snub nosed food chomping Chinese

Lumbini Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:38 PM

We are too late. China has already consumed us.

Si Saturday, 19 June 2021 06:43 PM

Yes of course India will concern whe self-esteem Chinese room around indian Waters.. SL will.soon learn who is Chinese..

Yoga Saturday, 19 June 2021 07:05 PM

First become a genuine friend to your neighbours. That itself will be your security. You have never been a true friend to Sri Lanka

ANTON Sunday, 20 June 2021 07:28 AM

WHY NOT HANDOVER THIS TO GMOA.

mal.com Sunday, 20 June 2021 07:35 AM

one country many nations

රංගසාජ Sunday, 20 June 2021 08:16 AM

හික් හික් හික්

Rafeek Sunday, 20 June 2021 01:28 PM

Act wisely and carefully before it goes out of hand.

Jagath Silva Sunday, 20 June 2021 02:21 PM

India or China, we are on the winning side

N SENA Sunday, 20 June 2021 02:53 PM

WE HAVE NO WORRIES, AS WE ARE NOT CHINLANKA

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Chinese presence in SL could pose a threat, keeping close watch: Indian Navy

Comments - 21

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