War with Pakistan not an option for India, dialogue the way forward, says Sri Lankan prime minister
Ranil Wickremesinghe added that Narendra Modi had taken 'a lot of steps to diffuse tensions', and that cross-border terrorism was a big issue for Saarc.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said dialogue, and not war, was the way to address cross-border terrorism against India, The Indian Express reported. "Cross-border terrorism is a big issue [for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation], and we have to discuss how to tackle it. I don't think war is an option. Your prime minister has taken a lot of steps to diffuse tensions."
Wickremesinghe's statements follow the postponement of the Saarc summit in Islamabad, after five member nations announced their decision to skip the meeting citing an "unconducive environment" as a reason.
The Sri Lankan prime minister met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj individually during his three-day visit to the country. He is scheduled to address the opening session of the India Economic Summit in New Delhi on October 6.
Wickremesinghe also referred to Sri Lanka's relationship with China as an economic, and not military, association. India has been closely monitoring Beijing's growing influence in the country. The leader announced future collaborations with India, as well.
Sri Lanka decided to skip the Saarc Summit on September 30 after India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan announced their decisions to not attend the meeting. India cited the rise in hostilities between with Pakistan as the reason for its decision to skip the Islamabad summit.
Delighted to meet PM @RW_UNP & discuss aspects relating to India-Sri Lanka ties. pic.twitter.com/LeI5B2FveH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2016
It is a crucial time for India and Sri Lanka will work with it: Lanka PM Ranil #Wickremesinghe.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 5, 2016
EAM calls on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to India. pic.twitter.com/ZlWQnvOVuA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramcdi) October 5, 2016
Delhi: Our relationship with China is an economic one, not military: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe pic.twitter.com/jLivhnBmtP
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 5, 2016
No future of SAARC if there is no cooperation: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe pic.twitter.com/YMiNKLcBfG
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 5, 2016