India in talks with SL on request for debt relief

India said yesterday it was holding talks with Sri Lanka on its request for a postponement of debt repayment. “The matter has progressed and technical level discussions are presently underway,”  Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.  

He was responding to a question on the issue at an online media briefing. Sri Lanka is reeling under a major economic crisis and has requested several countries and international donors, including India to provide debt relief.  

Asked about reports of Chinese envoy to Nepal, Hou Yanqi meeting several leaders in Nepal and whether she was meddling in the country’s political turmoil, Mr. Srivastava refused to comment. “I have no comment to offer on the internal political situation of Nepal,” he said.  

Replying to a question on the Enrica Lexie case, Srivastava said there was no delay on the part of the Ministry of External Affairs in informing the Supreme Court and the Kerala government about the verdict of an international tribunal on it.  

• SL is reeling under a major economic crisis and requested several countries, including India to provide debt relief