KOLKATA / AGARTALA, Dec 21 (TIWN): Rejecting Paresh Baruah's assertions of Assam's sovereignty as the core issue of future talks, spiritual guru Ravi Shankar on Sunday expressed optimism of bringing the ULFA-I chief to the dialogue table with the Centre.

"He has asserted Assam's sovereignty would be the core issue but there is no question of that happening. Probably he is under some foreign country's influence," Ravi Shankar said on the sidelines of an event here.

The Art of Living founder, who has been attempting to broker peace with the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent chief, said he had a talk with the elusive leader earlier this week.

"I had a talk with him (Baruah) on Wednesday. I am trying to persuade him for talks. I am very optimistic of a positive outcome," he added.