New Delhi: India has dismissed reports of sending troops to Sri Lanka against the backdrop of political turmoil in the island nation. However, New Delhi made it clear that it stands with the Sri Lankan people as they try to find a solution through democratic means.
Reacting to “speculative reports” in sections of the media and on social media, the Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied that India is sending troops to Sri Lanka. “These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India,” the mission said in a brief statement.
The High Commission noted that the external affairs ministry’s spokesperson had clearly said on Sunday that “India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework”.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Sunday said India is aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka has been facing and has stood with the Sri Lankan people as they tried to overcome this difficult period. While closely following developments in Sri Lanka, India “stands with the people of Sri Lanka”, he added.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar, speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, too indicated solutions will have to be found by the Sri Lankan people.
“We have been supportive of Sri Lanka, are trying to help and have always been helpful. They are working through their problems, we have to wait and see what happens…The answers to Sri Lanka are in Sri Lanka,” he said, adding Sri Lanka has begun discussions to restructure its policies and reduce debts.
