11 June,2011 07:48 AM IST | | Bipin Kumar Singh
The strained relationship between Indian and Sri Lankan naval forces is all set to ease soon. Aware of imminent threats from terrorists and Somali pirates, both the warring parties have joined hands to curb any untoward incident in the high seas falling in their respective territories. Forty-two officers from the special wing of Sri Lankan navy on Tuesday arrived at the Mumbai international airport with "the sole purpose of making the bond stronger with naval forces here".
Bonhomie: Sri Lankan Navy officials arrive at the international airport
u00a0in Mumbai on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble
A Sri Lankan navy personnel said the main purpose of this visit was to make the ties between both the navy stronger. "We are not going to carry out any joint-operation, though," said a senior officer of the Lankan Navy on the condition of anonymity He also revealed that they would visit different sensitive points along with the India officers. "After spending some time with the naval officers in Mumbai, we will move towards Goa and then to Chennai. We will also review what best could be done in the future to curb any untoward incident on these sensitive points," added the officer.
Tension between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy aggravated after reports appeared in the media that the neighbouring country was allegedly providing shelter to Somali pirates. Sri Lankan Navy has been accused of allowing Somali pirates to refuel their vessels and regroup along the Sri Lankan coastline. Earlier, Defense Minister AK Anthony said, "Our waters are not safe like before as there are some other forces helping them (the pirates). We cannot remain mere spectators."
