India said the Chinese Ambassador's statement was a "violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude."

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on Saturday slammed Colombo-based Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong for criticizing India over the docking of China's spy ship at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.

Taking to Twitter, the Indian High Commission wrote, “We have noted the remarks of the Chinese Ambassador. His violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude."

The Indian High Commission further said,” His view of #SriLanka's northern neighbour may be coloured by how his own country behaves. #India, we assure him, is very different. His imputing a geopolitical context to the visit of a purported scientific research vessel is a giveaway"

"Opaqueness and debt driven agendas are now a major challenge, especially for smaller nations. Recent developments are a caution. #SriLanka needs support, not unwanted pressure or unnecessary controversies to serve another country’s agenda,” the Indian embassy said.

In a stinging statement, the Indian High Commission said the Chinese Ambassador's statement was a "violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude."

"His view of Sri Lanka's northern neighbour may be coloured by how his own country behaves. India, we assure him, is very different. His imputing a geopolitical context to the visit of a purported scientific research vessel is a giveaway."

"Opaqueness and debt-driven agendas are now a major challenge, especially for smaller nations. Recent developments are a caution. Sri Lanka needs support, not unwanted pressure or unnecessary controversies to serve another country’s agenda,” the Indian High Commission said.

India had raised security concerns in opposition to the Chinese spy ship, Yuan Wang 5, arriving at the Sri Lankan port. Colombo, meanwhile, permitted it under limited restrictions.

The Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka said all of the scientific research activities of the "Yuan Wang 5" comply with international law and accepted international practice and that the Sri Lankan government has the full sovereign authority to approve a foreign vessel's port call for replenishment.

Furthermore, the ambassador said that Sri Lanka has triumphed over "aggression from its northern neighbour 17 times, colonisation by the west for 450 years, and an anti-terrorism campaign for nearly three decades."

The statement triggered a diplomatic row, compelling even Sri Lankans to denounce it.