Indian Minister’s visit ‘deferred’; no reason given View(s):Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was due in Sri Lanka yesterday, suddenly called off his visit on Friday night, with no official reason made public by either Colombo or New Delhi for the cancellation. There was little confirmation if the cancellation of the visit was connected to the Chinese vessel being granted permission. The Sunday Times learns that though the Chinese ship has been granted permission to dock in Sri Lanka, the details are yet to be worked out. These details also include which ports it will call at, the duration of the visit, and the exact work it will be engaged in while in Sri Lankan waters. The National Aquatic Research Agency has strongly supported the ship’s visit, saying its scientists hope to be engaged with the vessel’s work.

Source: Sunday Times September 03, 2023 13:45 UTC