Why in News:

• A media clarification issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has brought to light two recent defence pacts it has signed with India that neither side officially announced.

What is the pact  about

1. The receipt of Floating Dock Facility from the Government of India at no cost.

• A floating dock is a  structure that can be submerged to permit the entry and docking of a ship and then raised to lift the ship from the water for repairs.

1. Provision of “Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft” by India to Sri Lanka “free of charge”.

• The Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft is deployed for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and to deliver information to various required platforms.

Other agreements in recent times

• India has extended $ 2.4 billion support to Sri Lanka since the beginning of this year, to help the island nation cope with a severe economic meltdown.
• India has also signed several key bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, including the joint development of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms
• Major power projects in the north and east, involving the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Adani Group

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lankas-media-clarification-reveals-two-recent-defence-pactswith-new-delhi/article65270583.ece