NEW DELHI, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Britain has warned India against the sale of British-made aircraft to Myanmar.
The British High Commission wrote a letter to the Indian foreign ministry ahead of Indian Navy chief Arun Prakash's Jan. 19-22 visit to Yangon, asking him not to continue with the proposed sale of BN-2 Islander aircraft to Myanmar's military junta.
The foreign ministry forwarded the letter to the defense ministry and Navy for necessary action.
According to an Indian Naval official, the Navy is worried the protest might hamper the defense deal with London. India has signed a deal with Britain for the supply of helicopter spares and the cleared sale of 10 second-hand Royal Navy Sea Harriers to replace its Goa-based fleet.
"The letter hinted at the future hitches in military sales if the Islander aircraft sale to Yangon continues," said a foreign ministry official.
The Navy is also worried since there was no resale clause in the contract signed with the British aviation firm Britten-Norman two decades ago.
Officials said Yangon wanted to acquire the aircraft for maritime surveillance and aerial ambulance missions.
"The letter from British High Commission forced the Navy to keep its chief's visit a low key affair," said the official.
The Myanmar government has proposed the creation of permanent deputation posts for the Indian Navy in Myanmar to train that country's soldiers and officials in weapons and sensors, engineering and offshore operations.
Yangon also invited Indian officials to visit and inspect Chinese-built ports.
