The Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied rumours in the media that New Delhi was sending troops to the island nation, saying that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery.

The Indian mission’s denial came a day after it dismissed local social media speculation that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family had fled to India as “fake and blatantly false.”

Since his resignation on Monday, there has been speculation about Mahinda Rajapaksa’s whereabouts. Mahinda was said to have left Temple Trees, his office/official residence.

India said on Tuesday that it is “fully supportive” of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery in its first response to the situation there.

“The High Commission wishes to refute speculative reports in the media and on social media that #India is sending troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such viewpoints are also inconsistent with the position of the Indian government, according to the Indian mission on Twitter.

In another tweet, it stated, “The Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery.”

“India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

After his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed Army troops in the capital, Mahinda, 76, resigned as prime minister amid unprecedented economic turmoil in the country. Pro-Rajapaksa politicians were targeted in the aftermath of the attack.

Protesters gathered around the Naval base in Trincomalee’s eastern port district, claiming Mahinda had sought refuge there.