India has to maintain friendly relations with Sri Lanka: Venkaiah Naidu

Reiterating the Narendra Modi government’s stand on relationship with Sri Lanka, India’s Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that India has to maintain friendly relations with its neighbour.

Speaking to reporters in India on the sidelines of loan distribution function under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, he also said that Tamil Nadu has every right to pass a resolution when queried about the resolution passed by the state assembly, urging India to bring about a strong resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

However, Mr Naidu also said that the BJP, being a national party and leading the central government, will have to see the national and international ramifications of actions relating to Sri Lanka.

On the issue of credible enquiry on the alleged war crimes in the island nation, he said what is credible has to be discussed and decided, adding that Sri Lanka should see that the truth comes out and justice is delivered to the people.

According to Mr Naidu, an appropriate response would be given by the government at an appropriate time at the UNHRC.

Mr Naidu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up the issue of Lankan Tamils with Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe during the latter’s recent visit to India.

The BJP leader said India’s stand is clear, that is, there should be devolution of powers to all provinces in Sri Lanka. -- ndtv