The Narendra Modi government, normally allergic to protests within the country, on Sunday said it “stands with the people of Sri Lanka” a day after protesters in Colombo overran the presidential residence asking Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.

“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 said in response to media queries.

“We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period.”

Bagchi described Sri Lanka as India’s closest neighbour and flagged the “deep civilisational bonds” between the two countries. He also mentioned the $3.8-billion package India had given Sri Lanka over the past few months to tide it over the economic crisis.

Given the fluid situation in Colombo, however, Sunday’s statement throws little light on India’s possible course of action on Sri Lanka.

Ever since the Sri Lankan government declared bankruptcy, India has adopted a wait-and-watch policy in the hope that the rulers in Colombo would evolve some clarity on how to deal with the mess.

In Colombo on Sunday, Indian high commissioner Gopal Baglay met the Sri Lankan agriculture minister and informed him about the arrival of urea as part of the credit line already extended to the country.

In two tweets, India sought to portray itself as a good neighbour and early responder.

“Various sections, diverse demands: one partner -#India!!!!High Commissioner met the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister and informed him about the arrival of more than 44,000 MT of urea supplied under a credit line extended by India to Sri Lanka,” one tweet said.

“High Commissioner stressed that this latest assistance by #India symbolises India’s continued commitment to support the people of Sri Lanka, including #lka’s farmers, and bolster the efforts for food security of the country’s citizens,” said the other.

Sonia Gandhi File Picture

Congress plea to help Sri Lanka

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka and appealed to India and the international community to help the embattled nation come out of the crisis.

Sonia issued a statement saying: “The Indian National Congress has been following with concern the evolving political situation in Sri Lanka….” She added: “The Congress expresses its solidarity with Sri Lanka and its people in this moment of grave crisis and hopes they will be able to overcome it. We hope that India will continue to assist the people and government of Sri Lanka as they deal with the difficulties of the current situation. The Congress also urges the international community to extend all assistance and support to Sri Lanka.”

Our Special Correspondent