India’s ministry of defence has called on the lower house of Parliament to disallow a debate on the issue of training Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel, in a memorandum.
The Hindu reported that the note, issued on 13th of December by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, stated,
“The training assistance to the foreign countries, including Sri Lanka, based on their request, is a part of ongoing defence exchanges with a number of friendly foreign countries. Such requests are considered keeping in view our national interests. The participation of the foreign armed forces personnel in the training programmes in India is undertaken as an initiative of the military diplomacy to build goodwill with the countries to which, such training opportunities are provided. Similarly, the Indian armed forces personnel are also deputed to training to various countries.”
It reportedly went on to say,
“Since the subject matter [training Sri Lankan defence personnel] involves our relations with a neighbouring country and discussion on this issue on the floor of the House will involve sensitive matters pertaining to our relations with a neighbouring country, [the] Lok Sabha Secretariat is requested to consider disallowance of the notice”.
The issue of military training for Sri Lankan personnel has faced opposition within India, notably from Tamil Nadu, with India's Union Shipping Minister amongst those voicing his concern. However, the training programmes have continued, with Sri Lanka defending the training as “nothing new”.