India calls off Defence Secretary-level talks with Sri Lanka

The Indian Government has called off the annual defence dialogue with Sri Lanka scheduled to begin from 23 March, the Press Trust of India reported. No reason was given for the cancellation of the Secretary-level talks which were to be held in New Delhi for three days.

“The Annual Defence Dialogue with Sri Lanka has been called off,” a source told PTI, adding that new dates have not been decided yet.

During the talks, the two sides were to discuss ways to strengthen defence ties and finalise future military exercises. The decision has come at a time when Tamil Nadu parties are up in arms over India’s engagement with Sri Lanka.