CHENNAI – Amid reports that China’s spy ship ‘Yuan Wang-5’ is fast approaching the Colombo coast, India has moved to hand over a Donier aircraft to the Sri Lankan military. The aircraft, which is mostly indigenously built, will reportedly be delivered to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces by the middle of this month.
Sri Lanka requested the Chinese spy ship not to come to the Hambantota port due to India’s strong opposition, but China refused. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with the move to provide Donier aircraft to the Sri Lankan armed forces.
“Times Now” reported that the talks between the two countries are in progress regarding the transfer of the aircraft. Donyar-228 aircraft are used by the Indian Navy for maritime surveillance and disaster rescue operations. The Sri Lankan Army can also use the aircraft for these purposes as well.
India opposes Chinese spy ship coming to Sri Lanka citing security reasons. The announcement is that the ship is arriving at the Hambantota port in Lanka under the control of the Chinese company to refuel. However, India pressured Sri Lanka to ban it, fearing that secrets might be leaked. Then Lanka requested to postpone the trip but China refused. It is informed that the ship will arrive at Hambantota port at 9.30 am on Thursday.
Meanwhile, reports are also coming out that the ship has anchored there. India is concerned that the arrival of the ship is for surveillance in the northwest region of the Indian Ocean. Kalpakkam, Koodamkulam nuclear power plants and the launch center at Sriharikota will be within the ship’s gray zone as it can intercept satellite signals at a distance of 750 km.
English Summary: India to deliver Dornier reconnaissance aircraft to Sri Lankan military