Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who was in Chennai to launch the United Progressive Alliance's multi-media campaign, called on Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President M Karunanidhi at his residence on Thursday.
Emerging after a 20-minute meeting, Mukherjee told reporters that he has had a 'close relationship' with Karunanidhi since the 1970s.
On remarks by some UPA constituents, including Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, against the defence pact with Sri Lanka, the minister said it was the 'stated' policy of the central government not to interfere in the affairs of other countries.
Shipping Minister T R Baalu was also present at Karunanidhi's residence.