(a) whether the Government has donated the former Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Varaha’ to Sri Lanka;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether fishermen particularly from Tamil Nadu have expressed strong opposition to the Government decision; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) & (b): Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha was transferred on lease to Sri Lankan Navy in April, 2006. The lease was extended from time to time. On the request of Sri Lankan side, the ship was gifted to Government of Sri Lanka on a permanent basis in August 2015 as a goodwill gesture in line with our commitment to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
(c) No representation opposing the Government decision for gifting ICGS Varaha to Sri Lanka has been received in the Ministry.
(d) Does not arise.
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