India denies reports of pressure on SL to defer Yuan Wang 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Spokesperson to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Arindam Bagchi categorially rejected insinuations about statements claiming that India is adding pressure on Sri Lanka regarding the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5.

Speaking during the weekly media briefing held by the Ministry, the Spokesperson emphasized that Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation, which can make its own indepenent decisions.

However, with regard to Sri Lanka-India relations, the Spokesperson stated that India prioritizes its 'Neighbourhood first' policy, and within 2022 itself, India has extended unprecedented support of USD 3.8 billion assistance to Sri Lanka to curb the economic crisis.

Spokesperson Bagchi also mentioned that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

However, speaking on the security interests of India, he added that India will 'make the best judgement in our own interest' which naturally takes into account the prevailing situation in India's border regions.