Statement By External Affairs Minister In
Parliament On The Situation In Sri Lanka
May 4, 2000

Recent developments in northern Sri Lanka are a
matter of serious concern to India. The Government
is closely monitoring the evolving situation. The Gov-
ernment of Sri Lanka has also been in touch with the
Government of India. Our High Commissioner to Sri
Lanka was, therefore, called to New Delhi earlier this
week for consultations on the developing situation.

The Government of India will be guided by its contin-
ued commitment, to a negotiated peaceful resolution
of the conflict, within the framework of Sri Lanka’s
unity and territorial integrity; a united Sri Lanka where
all communities can realize their aspirations. It is
India’s hope that peace will soon return to Sri Lanka,
a country which is a close and friendly neighbour.

The Government of India has received some requests

from the Government of Sri Lanka in the context of
the present situation. Naturally, all these requests are
receiving the urgent consideration of the Govern-
ment.

The conflict in Northern Sri Lanka continues to cause
serious hardship to civilians in the area. As Hon’ble
Members are aware, there are nearly 100,000 Sri
Lankan refugees in India, including about 30,000
outside the refugee camps. On humanitarian grounds,
India continues to look after these refugees. In con-
sonance with this, India will work to mitigate the
hardship inflicted upon civilians by the conflict and
will render such humanitarian assistance as may
become necessary. As and when need arises such
assistance will be decided upon only in consultation
with Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Naresh Chandra’s
message on National Technology Day

Washington, DC
May 11, 2000

Today is India's National Technology Day, an occa-
sion to recall the achievements of India in the field of
science and technology and to acknowledge the part-
nership that has existed between the scientific com-
munities of India and the United States.

The last five decades have witnessed tremendous
strides in all fields of science and technology develop-
ment in India. The introduction of high-yielding vari-
eties, fertilizers, chemicals and mechanization in
agriculture led to the ‘green revolution’, which trans-
formed India from a food deficit country to a food
exporting nation. Our vast network of biotechnology
institutions are focusing attention on the frontiers of
modern science. Our comprehensive range of skills
and expertise on the cutting edge of science makes us
one of seven nations worldwide with satellite launch
capabilities. Our installed electricity generation ca-
pacity has increased from 1300 MW in 1947 to over
90000 MW today. India has one of the world’s largest
programs of renewable energy with a capacity of
more than 1300 MW from renewable sources. Our
health and nutrition standards have improved dra-
matically. Our remarkable success in IT industry has
received global recognition.

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India today has the technological, institutional, and
manpower strengths to tap the full potential of the
coming age. It has a vibrant industry, a resurgent
market and a well-established extension system to
spread the benefits of emerging technologies. In meet-
ing these challenges, we welcome S & T cooperation
with U.S. scientists and organizations.

During President Clinton's recent visit, India and the
US signed a Science and Technology Forum Agree-
ment with the intent to facilitate and promote Indo-
US interaction between government, academia, and
industry in science and technology. The Forum will
promote research and development, the transfer of
technology, the creation of a comprehensive elec-
tronic reference source for Indo-US science and tech-
nology cooperation, and the electronic exchange and
dissemination of information on Indo-US science and
technology cooperation. The Forum will commission
studies, reports and papers and would assist in facili-
tating and promoting joint collaboration of projects.
| invite U.S. scientists, with many Indian Americans
among them, to intensify their interaction with their
Indian counterparts in pursuit of excellence for the
greater good of humanity.