Political Solution, Role Of China Featured In Mangala-Sushma Talks

India urged visiting Sri Lankan foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera Sunday to ensure “political reconciliation” of its Tamils, Indian media reports said.

Meanwhile, it is thought that the controversial role of China in Sri Lanka, including the frequent presence of Chinese submarines in its ports, may have figured in the talks. However New Delhi said the talks were “marked with warmth”.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will visit Sri Lanka soon on the invitation of her counterpart in Sri Lanka. She will also coincidentally visit China in the near future.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Syed Akbaruddin didn’t give a direct answer when asked if China’s role came up, but said the talks covered “all issues aimed at enhancing ties”.

When asked about the political solution in the country, Akbaruddin said that India cannot officially state anything specific on that matter as the authority to carry out any solution lies with Sri Lanka. But he reminded that the new president has promised to resolve the issue under his 100 day program.