Sri Lankan navy chief meets Jaitley

Sri Lankan Navy chief Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera Monday called on Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in an effort to strengthen defence ties.

According to the defence ministry, the two discussed "matters of mutual interest".

The visit - despite opposition from some political parties from Tamil Nadu - gains significance in view of India's concern about China making strategic inroads in the island nation.

Perera, who is on a five-day official visit to India, Monday also inspected a guard of honour here at the South Block.

He is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Admiral R.K. Dhowan.

Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had met Jaitley Oct 20.

In a bid to strengthen ties with its southern neighbour, India is reportedly planning to supply two naval offshore patrol vessels and other military equipment to Sri Lanka. - IANS