The high-level talks between European Union and India that concluded on Friday in New Delhi focused, among other topics, on the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, a EU statement said. The meetings between European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also attended by Indian foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee, trade minister Kamal Nath and national security advisor M. K. Narayanan.

The sessions also discussed the situation in Nepal and Pakistan besides Africa and West Asia, the EU said.

“The world’s two largest democracies can have a great impact in addressing global challenges such as peace and security, governance and climate change.” Mr. Barroso said on eve of the talks.

On Thursday the British High Commission in Colombo which currently holds the EU Presidency said the EU remained gravely concerned about the welfare of civilians caught up in the Sri Lanka’s conflict and expected the parties to take the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“EU condemns the terrorist attacks in Colombo and deplores the deliberate targeting of civilians. These callous attacks can have no political justification and serve only to add to the suffering and grief of ordinary Sri Lankans. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and friends,” the EU said.

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