New Delhi, July 14 (UNI) Amid the political crisis in Sri Lanka, India on Thursday said it is monitoring the evolving situation in the island nation and looks forward to an early solution of the situation there, through democratic means, even as it denied any role in facilitating the fleeing of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from his country.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a briefing, also said that Sri Lankans need to find a way forward and a solution ahead, and that India is there to support the people of Sri Lanka in every way.
Answering a barrage of questions related to Sri Lanka, the spokesperson said that ensuring peace, prosperity, stability of all countries in the region is an important aspect of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR doctrine, and that this is evident in the case of Sri Lanka in the close and multi faceted ties that India has with the neighbour, “and the commitment we have demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people address the challenges that are arising out of the current situation in that country.”.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity, and progress through democratic means and values, as well as established institutions under the constitutional framework,” he said, in a reference to the mob demonstrations in Colombo that have overrun the presidential palace in a public display of anger over the spiralling economic crisis.
He said that India responded with urgency to Sri Lanka in helping them overcome their economic hardships, and that this year India has “expeditiously finalised and delivered assistance and support worth USD 3.8 billion” in the form of currency swap, deferment of its liabilities to the RBI under the Asian union clearing mechanism, besides credit assistance of USD 1.5 billion for financing purchase of fuel, food, medicines, fertilisers and other essential commodities from India.
On the tumultuous political situation, he said: “Sri Lanka is a neighbour and in our neighbourhood developments that might affect us we remain very cognisant of the challenges that may emanate from that.
“We are monitoring the evolving situation in that country. Our ties with Sri Lanka are historic and comprehensive and we continue to remain engaged with all relevant stakeholders in Sri Lanka.”
“We look forward to an early solution of the situation related to the government and its leadership, through democratic means and values, established institutions and the constitutional framework,” he said.
On speculation that India had a role in facilitating President Gotabaya’s leaving his country, the spokesperson said: “We have categorically denied having any role or facilitating his departure.”
On the protests in Maldives, he said that India is “not aware” of Gotabaya’s travel plans and “what he has done”.
To a question on the kind of help India would be extending given the political situation, he said that India is with Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka.
“Let us see what kind of situation evolves and the kind of assistance they require, the people and government.”
“Our support and solidarity we have with the country and its people will remain.”
To a question on refugee influx, he said there is “no situation like that yet” and that he did not have an immediate update.
“Some people came earlier, but I have not heard anything.. currently such a situation has not developed there.”
On Gotabaya’s promised resignation, that he has not delivered on so far, the spokesperson said “that is for the Sri Lankan people” to decide on.
“I want to emphasise, as EAM also said a few days ago, Sri Lankans need to find a way forward. They need to find a solution ahead. We are there to support the people of Sri Lanka in any which way we can.”
“And we have demonstrated that with the economic assistance as well as the other support that we have announced,” he added.
UNI RN