PM Modi has called on SAARC nations for a united front against the Wuhan Coronavirus. Speaking to WION, Leaders and Envoys from SAARC nations welcomed PM Modi's initiative. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the reactions.

Gravitas: Exclusive: SAARC nations welcome PM Modi's initiative

In this segment, know how Taiwan is keeping the coronavirus infection rate low despite it being in such close proximity to China.

Fineprint: Taiwan sets an example in combating COVID-19

Indian PM Narendra Modi has called for a joint South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) strategy to fight coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, Modi said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus."

WION Dispatch: PM Modi urges for joint strategy to combat coronavirus

As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus. He suggested that the bloc should unite to create a strong strategy. The Prime Minister invited SAARC leaders to join him in a video conference.

The idea is to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak. It's been the hallmark of India's response to the coronavirus outbreak so far.

Since the first cases were reported, India has played a constructive role. India was among the few countries to complete successful rescue missions from the epicentre of the outbreak - Wuhan.

The flights, initially meant to bring back Indian citizens, became a vehicle to expand regional cooperation. India rescued citizens from the neighbourhood. It sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies to China.

When the crisis peaked - India lifted the ban on the export of personal protection equipment, items like surgical and disposable masks and gloves, supplies that China was running short on due to the outbreak - it was a strong expression of solidarity towards a crisis hit partner.

And now, New Delhi has made an overture to SAARC nations. It's a move that could breathe new life into this forum. India has an important role to play in the new world order&nbsp;and South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world.

New Delhi could use this opportunity to revive a platform, using its diplomatic heft. SAARC needs to work together to battle this pandemic. The World Bank and the WHO published a report together in 2019. It predicted that a coronavirus like outbreak will cost South Asia's GDP 53 billion dollars. A loss that none of the South Asian countries can afford today.

SAARC is perhaps the only alliance that truly represents South Asia. It has eight nations as its members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives.

The same countries also face several public health challenges. Just India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka represent around one-fifth of the world's population. The region needs substantial resources and efficient health systems to battle the coronavirus.

That's the reason why India's efforts to unite the bloc must be applauded.

Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) is one such instance. America's decision to scrap the trans-pacific partnership was another setback. But, if India can manage a SAARC front, it might provide a new template to the world to fight the coronavirus. 
 
India's move to bring neighbours together is an example for the whole world.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

 
&nbsp;

As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus.

As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus. He suggested that the bloc should unite to create a strong strategy. The Prime Minister invited SAARC leaders to join him in a video conference. The idea is to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak. It's been the hallmark of India's response to the coronavirus outbreak so far. Since the first cases were reported, India has played a constructive role. India was among the few countries to complete successful rescue missions from the epicentre of the outbreak - Wuhan. The flights, initially meant to bring back Indian citizens, became a vehicle to expand regional cooperation. India rescued citizens from the neighbourhood. It sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies to China. When the crisis peaked - India lifted the ban on the export of personal protection equipment, items like surgical and disposable masks and gloves, supplies that China was running short on due to the outbreak - it was a strong expression of solidarity towards a crisis hit partner. And now, New Delhi has made an overture to SAARC nations. It's a move that could breathe new life into this forum. India has an important role to play in the new world order and South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world. New Delhi could use this opportunity to revive a platform, using its diplomatic heft. SAARC needs to work together to battle this pandemic. The World Bank and the WHO published a report together in 2019. It predicted that a coronavirus like outbreak will cost South Asia's GDP 53 billion dollars. A loss that none of the South Asian countries can afford today. SAARC is perhaps the only alliance that truly represents South Asia. It has eight nations as its members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives. The same countries also face several public health challenges. Just India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka represent around one-fifth of the world's population. The region needs substantial resources and efficient health systems to battle the coronavirus. That's the reason why India's efforts to unite the bloc must be applauded. Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) is one such instance. America's decision to scrap the trans-pacific partnership was another setback. But, if India can manage a SAARC front, it might provide a new template to the world to fight the coronavirus. India's move to bring neighbours together is an example for the whole world. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Coronavirus outbreak - India emerges as a leader

In this segment we question Telegraph's Asia correspondent Nicola Smith, how Taiwan kept coronavirus infection rate low despite it being in such close proximity to China.

How Taiwan kept coronavirus infection rate low | World News

Indian PM Narendra Modi has called for a joint South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) strategy to fight coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, Modi said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus."

Coronavirus Pandemic: PM Modi proposes SAARC cooperation to combat COVID-19

In a move that can see the revival of SAARC grouping, Indian PM Narendra Modi has called for a joint SAARC strategy to fight coronavirus outbreak.

In a tweet, he said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus"

He suggested, the SAARC countries, "could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy."

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I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. 
 
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. 
 
Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1238371182094639104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Adding,"Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet."

Will Pakistani PM Imran Khan join PM Modi and other SAARC leaders for video conference? If he does then it will be the big takeaway from the conference.&nbsp;

Yesterday at Pakistani weekly presser by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, spokesperson on response to a WION question said, "On Coronavirus, as I said before that the Government of Pakistan is monitoring the situation very closely and will take measures required for the citizens within Pakistan and any assistance we can provide to our neighbouring countries.”

Sources in Islamabad have said the suggestion by Indian PM has been noted "positively" &amp; will be discussed at Pakistan's National Security Council.

Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering responded to PM Modi's tweet and said "This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see the immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference."

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This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference. <a href="https://t.co/2RnokAJQOs">https://t.co/2RnokAJQOs</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1238395565571883009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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SAARC has been lying defunct since 2016 after the Uri attack. The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but was boycotted by India along with — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the terror attack by Pakistan based terror groups in India killed 19 Indian soldiers.

In a move that can see the revival of SAARC grouping, Indian PM Narendra Modi has called for a joint SAARC strategy to fight coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, he said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus" He suggested, the SAARC countries, "could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.

In a move that can see the revival of SAARC grouping, Indian PM Narendra Modi has called for a joint SAARC strategy to fight coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, he said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus" He suggested, the SAARC countries, "could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy." I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020 × Adding,"Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet." Will Pakistani PM Imran Khan join PM Modi and other SAARC leaders for video conference? If he does then it will be the big takeaway from the conference. Yesterday at Pakistani weekly presser by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, spokesperson on response to a WION question said, "On Coronavirus, as I said before that the Government of Pakistan is monitoring the situation very closely and will take measures required for the citizens within Pakistan and any assistance we can provide to our neighbouring countries.” Sources in Islamabad have said the suggestion by Indian PM has been noted "positively" & will be discussed at Pakistan's National Security Council. Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering responded to PM Modi's tweet and said "This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see the immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference." This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference. https://t.co/2RnokAJQOs — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) March 13, 2020 × SAARC has been lying defunct since 2016 after the Uri attack. The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but was boycotted by India along with — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the terror attack by Pakistan based terror groups in India killed 19 Indian soldiers.

Coronavirus crisis: PM Modi suggests joint SAARC strategy; proposes video conference

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-speech-of-bjps-general-secretary-ram-madhav-at-wion-global-summit-284499">WION Global Summit</a> in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-concerns-not-limited-to-young-people-says-sri-lankas-ex-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-at-wion-global-summit-284551">Also Read: Climate change concerns not limited to young people, says Ranil Wickremesinghe at WION Global Summit</a>

He also said that no Indian official has denied his claim. In fact, they have supported him and have acknowledged that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the problem in Kashmir in early 2007.

Watch Video:

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Former minister Kasuri also informed&nbsp;how Indian and Pakistan missed an opportunity of signing an agreement on Sir Creek because of elections in India and coup by General Musharaff.

Kasuri also called for strategic "baby steps" to diplomatically solve the tensions between India and Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/genuine-leadership-completely-lost-in-pakistan-reham-khan-284550">Also Read: Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan, says Reham Khan</a>

"We have been through comprehensive dialogue and composite dialogue. The Shanghai Corporation meeting will happen in New Delhi, I doubt PM Imran Khan will go since it will be a big political risk but if India creates a more congenial atmosphere maybe Pakistan will send its foreign minister. So baby steps would ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further," he said at the WION Global Summit.

"The other is religious tourism, you saw how successful the Kartarpur initiative was. When I was foreign minister, I had invited Mr Advani since we had restored a temple near Islamabad and another famous temple in Balouchistan and then Muslims can be invited to visit shrines in India including Ajmer Sharif," Kasuri asserted.

"I was once called by Colin Powell, he said get ready to receive good news, next day former PM Vajpayee extended the famous hand of friendship to Pakistan and we immediately invited him, so a world power can play a major role," Kasuri felt.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> | Prime Minister Vajpayee was a wise man. He had said 'you can change your friends but not your neighbours', says Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former Pakistan foreign minister<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONDubaiSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONDubaiSummit</a> 
 
Follow LIVE updates here: <a href="https://t.co/lcF6OC8y5l">https://t.co/lcF6OC8y5l</a> <a href="https://t.co/eaWVmkKpR8">pic.twitter.com/eaWVmkKpR8</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1235508994266951680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Mr Vajapee was&nbsp;a wise man, he had said, you can change your friends but not your neighbours,"&nbsp;Kasuri added. "How shall we live together? that is the challenge,"&nbsp;he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy 
 
Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Former Foreign Minister, Pakistan &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/RehamKhan1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RehamKhan1</a>, Journalist &amp; Commentator open the session <a href="https://twitter.com/RizKhanShows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RizKhanShows</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONDubaiSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONDubaiSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/okgbNcJchL">pic.twitter.com/okgbNcJchL</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1235514983657529347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On SAARC, the former Pakistan foreign minister said: "I am a great believer in SAARC, India and Pakistan engaged a lot. I once calculated there were more than 200 meetings in a year between the two countries. It creates a new dynamic. It makes a lot of difference with a personal touch," Pakistan's former foreign minister said.

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point.

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point. Also Read: Climate change concerns not limited to young people, says Ranil Wickremesinghe at WION Global Summit He also said that no Indian official has denied his claim. In fact, they have supported him and have acknowledged that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the problem in Kashmir in early 2007. Watch Video: Former minister Kasuri also informed how Indian and Pakistan missed an opportunity of signing an agreement on Sir Creek because of elections in India and coup by General Musharaff. Kasuri also called for strategic "baby steps" to diplomatically solve the tensions between India and Pakistan. Also Read: Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan, says Reham Khan "We have been through comprehensive dialogue and composite dialogue. The Shanghai Corporation meeting will happen in New Delhi, I doubt PM Imran Khan will go since it will be a big political risk but if India creates a more congenial atmosphere maybe Pakistan will send its foreign minister. So baby steps would ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further," he said at the WION Global Summit. "The other is religious tourism, you saw how successful the Kartarpur initiative was. When I was foreign minister, I had invited Mr Advani since we had restored a temple near Islamabad and another famous temple in Balouchistan and then Muslims can be invited to visit shrines in India including Ajmer Sharif," Kasuri asserted. "I was once called by Colin Powell, he said get ready to receive good news, next day former PM Vajpayee extended the famous hand of friendship to Pakistan and we immediately invited him, so a world power can play a major role," Kasuri felt. #WIONGlobalSummit | Prime Minister Vajpayee was a wise man. He had said 'you can change your friends but not your neighbours', says Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former Pakistan foreign minister#WIONDubaiSummit Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/lcF6OC8y5l pic.twitter.com/eaWVmkKpR8 — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × "Mr Vajapee was a wise man, he had said, you can change your friends but not your neighbours," Kasuri added. "How shall we live together? that is the challenge," he said. #WIONGlobalSummit | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Former Foreign Minister, Pakistan & @RehamKhan1, Journalist & Commentator open the session @RizKhanShows #WIONDubaiSummit pic.twitter.com/okgbNcJchL — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × On SAARC, the former Pakistan foreign minister said: "I am a great believer in SAARC, India and Pakistan engaged a lot. I once calculated there were more than 200 meetings in a year between the two countries. It creates a new dynamic. It makes a lot of difference with a personal touch," Pakistan's former foreign minister said.

India, Pak were close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point: Former Pak foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri at WION Global Summit

Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Salman Bashir spoke at WION Global Summit 2020 on how SAARC nations need to reinvent itself politically to solve regional and bilateral problems.

Salman Bashir: Political will can solve India-Pakistan issues

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the regional cooperation promoted under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been affected by the cross border terrorism that is being supported by "one country," in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

"India enjoys an excellent bilateral relationship with all the SAARC countries except one. Regional cooperation is adversely affected when you have cross border terrorism, where a country supports cross border terrorism and when a country also interferes in the internal matters of another country," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing.

On Friday, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that his country is not only ready but "eager and in hurry" to hand over the chairmanship of SAARC as they have been carrying the "baggage since more than four years" that was supposed to hand over in 2016.

SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.

The 18th SAARC summit was the last annual meeting attended by India that took place in Kathmandu in 2014.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-ready-to-tackle-coronavirus-maintaining-close-contact-with-indians-in-china-mea-277539">India is ready to tackle coronavirus, maintaining close contact with Indians in China, says MEA&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016, but, the summit was cancelled after India decided against participating in it following the terror attack at a military camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate and the meeting was called off following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential.

"SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi had said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.&nbsp;

 
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The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the regional cooperation promoted under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been affected by the cross border terrorism that is being supported by "one country," in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the regional cooperation promoted under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been affected by the cross border terrorism that is being supported by "one country," in an apparent reference to Pakistan. "India enjoys an excellent bilateral relationship with all the SAARC countries except one. Regional cooperation is adversely affected when you have cross border terrorism, where a country supports cross border terrorism and when a country also interferes in the internal matters of another country," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing. On Friday, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that his country is not only ready but "eager and in hurry" to hand over the chairmanship of SAARC as they have been carrying the "baggage since more than four years" that was supposed to hand over in 2016. SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. The 18th SAARC summit was the last annual meeting attended by India that took place in Kathmandu in 2014. Also read: India is ready to tackle coronavirus, maintaining close contact with Indians in China, says MEA Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016, but, the summit was cancelled after India decided against participating in it following the terror attack at a military camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate and the meeting was called off following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential. "SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi had said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Pak's support of cross-border terrorism adversely affected regional cooperation under SAARC: MEA

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the relationship?

Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONDirect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONDirect</a> from Kathmandu | Sagarmatha Sambad should focus on ecological link between mountains &amp; oceans, we have invited many leaders, academics... SAARC has own history &amp; perspective, it can't be replaced: Pradeep Gyawali, Foreign Minister, Nepal to <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a><a href="https://twitter.com/akankshaswarups?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akankshaswarups</a> <a href="https://t.co/UvI13JFSik">pic.twitter.com/UvI13JFSik</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1221100574814326786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well.

WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit?

Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-urges-india-to-reconsider-palm-oil-import-ban-276463">Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban</a>

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WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future.

WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC?

Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing.

WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge?

Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview. WION: How do you see the relationship? Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited. #WIONDirect from Kathmandu | Sagarmatha Sambad should focus on ecological link between mountains & oceans, we have invited many leaders, academics... SAARC has own history & perspective, it can't be replaced: Pradeep Gyawali, Foreign Minister, Nepal to @sidhant@akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/UvI13JFSik — WION (@WIONews) January 25, 2020 × WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project? Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well. WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit? Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector. Also read: Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban × WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this? Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future. WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC? Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing. WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge? Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

At Nepal's global summit, an invite for all SAARC nations; Nepal FM says SAARC is complimentary to BIMSTEC

Nepal is set to host a major summit sagarmatha sambad. What is interesting is that the country has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada

WION Exclusively speaks to Nepal's Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada

The latest on deadly Coronavirus has confirmed the death of four in China and more than 218 cases have been detected in China alone. The World Health Organisation emergency panel will meet this week to discuss this SAARC like virus that has spread beyond China. China has confirmed human-to-human transmission of the new Coronavirus.

Coronavirus spreads beyond China, Human-to-human transmission confirmed

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government. He also spoke on Teesta, SAARC and other issues. WION is the first channel in India with which Bangladesh FM has spoken extensively since the passage of CAA law in December of 2019.

Bangladesh FM AK Abdul Momen on CAA/NRC: India will not harm Bangladesh, We trust New Delhi

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-plans-saarc-foreign-ministers-informal-meet-on-un-general-assembly-sidelines-244249">SAARC</a>) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksas-election-victory-sparks-fear-among-minorities-263657">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> said on Sunday.

In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region."

SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges.

"The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saarc-needs-greater-collaboration-to-act-against-terrorism-pm-narendra-modi-266951">Narendra Modi</a> had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential.

"SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday. In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region." SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges. "The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said. "I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added. In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential. "SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka firmly committed to SAARC: Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-drama-at-saarc-meet-as-pakistans-foreign-minister-qureshi-boycotts-jaishankars-statement-252290">SAARC </a>has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism.

In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and act of terrorism".

Highlighting how terrorism "impedes our shared objective of realizing the full potential of SAARC", PM Modi said, "it is critical that all countries in the region take effective steps to defeat the scourge of terrorism" and the "forces that support it" which will "generate greater trust and confidence to build a stronger SAARC".

The prime minister in the letter said the organisation was set up&nbsp;"to build a connected and integrated South Asia" and aims to promote "development and progress of all countries in the region" and New Delhi will continue to "support various initiatives to achieve closer cooperation in diverse areas"&nbsp;

The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but it was boycotted by India along with --Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. 
&nbsp; 
Founded in Dhaka, SAARC, even though comprises just 3 per cent&nbsp;of the world area, it includes 21 per cent&nbsp;of the world population.

After 2016, New Delhi is focusing more on the BIMSTEC grouping as part of its "Act&nbsp;East"&nbsp;policy and had invited the leaders of the grouping during the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while SAARC has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism. In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while SAARC has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism. In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and act of terrorism". Highlighting how terrorism "impedes our shared objective of realizing the full potential of SAARC", PM Modi said, "it is critical that all countries in the region take effective steps to defeat the scourge of terrorism" and the "forces that support it" which will "generate greater trust and confidence to build a stronger SAARC". The prime minister in the letter said the organisation was set up "to build a connected and integrated South Asia" and aims to promote "development and progress of all countries in the region" and New Delhi will continue to "support various initiatives to achieve closer cooperation in diverse areas" The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but it was boycotted by India along with --Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Founded in Dhaka, SAARC, even though comprises just 3 per cent of the world area, it includes 21 per cent of the world population. After 2016, New Delhi is focusing more on the BIMSTEC grouping as part of its "Act East" policy and had invited the leaders of the grouping during the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

SAARC needs greater collaboration to act against terrorism: PM Narendra Modi

The annual meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Foreign Ministers on the sideline of United Nations Security Council (UNSC ) saw high-voltage drama on Thursday after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi refused to enter into the meet till Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar's statement is over.

The annual meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Foreign Ministers on the sideline of United Nations Security Council (UNSC ) saw high-voltage drama on Thursday after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi refused to enter into the meet till Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar's statement is over. The meet none the less started without the Pakistani foreign minister present in the meet. During the meet, Indian Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar raised the issue of terrorism saying, "Ours is really not just a story of missed opportunities but also of deliberate obstacles. Terrorism is among them." He explained, "In our view, elimination of terrorism in all its forms is a precondition not only for fruitful cooperation but also for the very survival of our region itself." Highlighting lack of regionalism in South Asia, Jaishankar said, "If we have lagged behind, it is because South Asia does not have normal trade and connectivity that other regions do." "SAARC hasn't been able to make much headway on connectivity with no progress on motor vehicles, Railways agreement and SAARC Regional Air Services Agreement, initiated by India," he said. Watch: India vs Pakistan face off in New York today × The Pakistani Foreign Minister came inside the room only when Jaishankar left and cited India's decision to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir as the reason behind his action. Meanwhile, He also claimed to have the support of SAARC nations to host the next summit in Islamabad. He said, "The good development is, SAARC summit that was to happen in Islamabad in 2016, we are ready to host it. I invited SAARC ministers to Islamabad for the summit. The next summit will happen in Islamabad. No one objected to it". When asked if India has agreed too and will PM Modi travel to Islamabad, Qureshi gave no reply. Sources have told WION that Pakistani FM suggested it can put forward the dates of next summit to which Nepal, the chair of the grouping, said this is an informal meet and not a forum to decide the next summit. Last year also SAARC foreign ministers saw a lot of attention as India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj left the room early leading to an angry Pak's foreign minister coming out and making unwarranted remarks to the standing press. India's focus has been BIMSTEC since the cancellation of SAARC summit in 2016 in the aftermath of the URI terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. India along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives had boycotted the summit in Islamabad. India has been keen on SAARC and even launched the South Asian satellite in 2017 and hosts the South Asian University. New Delhi is providing 100% capital cost towards the construction of South Asian University.

High drama at SAARC meet as Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi boycotts Jaishankar's statement

Pak FM Mehmood Qureshi evades WION's questions over terror. Watch video to know more.

Pak FM Mehmood Qureshi evades WION's questions over terror

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday skipped External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's opening statement at the meeting of the SAARC Council of Foreign Ministers.

Pakistan FM plays dirty game at SAARC meet

Pak FM Mehmood Qureshi runs away from faceoff with India's Jaishankar. Watch video to know more.

Pak FM Mehmood Qureshi runs away from faceoff with India's Jaishankar

Trucks depicting atrocities on Muhajirs at SAARC meet venue

WION USA Direct: Muhajirs Protest against Pakistan government

Elimination of terrorism in all its forms is a precondition not only for fruitful cooperation but also for the very survival of the South Asian region, says EAM S. Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar raises the issue of terrorism at SAARC

Pakistan Foreign Minister avoids facing Indian FM at SAARC meet

WION US Direct: Pakistan Double standards exposed again

WION Reports from SAARC meet venue. To know more watch the video

WION USA Direct: WION Reports from SAARC meet venue

India is set to participate at the SAARC foreign ministers meeting that is to be held on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

India's Jaishankar, Pakistan's Qureshi likely to come face-to-face

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday outlined that before the abrogation of Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir were in a mess while adding that the restrictions were imposed in the region to prevent loss of lives following the stripping of special status.

He said that the Indian government's first concern was to ensure that there was no loss of lives due to violence and demonstrations in the region post abrogation of Article 370.

"We had the experience of 2016 when a self-advertised terrorist cult figure called Burhan Wani was killed and after that, there was a spike in violence. Our intention was to manage the situation (post Article 370) without loss of life and restrictions were intended to do that," he said.

"As many as 42,000 people were killed in the last 30 years. Level of intimidation had reached a height where senior police officers were lynched on streets of Srinagar. Journalists who wrote against separatism were assassinated, military personnel returning home for Eid were kidnapped and killed. So, Pre August 5 Kashmir was in a mess. Difficulties in Kashmir did not start on August 5. It is supposed to be a way of dealing with those difficulties," the minister underlined.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-talking-to-pakistan-but-have-problem-talking-to-terroristan-jaishankar-251859">Jaishankar </a>said that the situation in the region has now stabilized and lots of restrictions have been rolled back including the operationalizing of landlines and mobile towers and resumption of economic activity.

"Particular efforts are being made to keep the supplies normal in the state. This is a harvest season for apples. Efforts are being made to procure apples so that farmers do not get victimized by these changes," he said.

He explained how Jammu and Kashmir acceded to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clear-attempt-at-pandering-to-vote-bank-interests-india-condemns-labour-party-motion-on-kashmir-252103">India </a>after the country gained freedom in 1947 and the drafting of Article 370.

"The situation in Jammu and Kashmir was peculiar for a number of reasons as it was a border state but also they were themselves under attack at that time. They had the desire to extend the period of alignment with the rest of India in terms of the application of laws. The Constituent Assembly recognized that it was a special case at that time," he said in an interactive session with Frank G. Wisner, a former US ambassador to India.

"The only temporary article of the constitution was drafted which was called Article 370. At that time, it was numbered as 306a. After the Constitution was adopted, there was a series of presidential proclamations under that article that started aligning the state. In the last 70 years, you had 54 of these presidential proclamations," Jaishankar added.

Outlining the reasons for the problems faced in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was adopted, the minister said that the presidential proclamations were very rapid in the initial years and there was a climate of intimidation and separatism in Kashmir.

"You did not have the economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir as compared to the rest of India. There were less job opportunities and there was a more sense of alienation, separatism and therefore, a climate of terrorism across the border. The state was in socio-economic terms less aligned with India. 100 important progressive laws of India did not apply to Kashmir," Jaishankar remarked.

The minister said that the temporary provision allowed a set of narrow elite to arbitrage Article 370 for monopolizing political power and creating a closed-loop politics.

"They had vested interests in keeping alive separatist sentiments. You had a situation where separatist political parties were openly allied with terror groups operating out of Pakistan. They had vested interests in keeping alive separatist sentiments," he said.

India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India. Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalize the Kashmir issue but to no avail.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday outlined that before the abrogation of Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir were in a mess while adding that the restrictions were imposed in the region to prevent loss of lives following the stripping of special status.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday outlined that before the abrogation of Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir were in a mess while adding that the restrictions were imposed in the region to prevent loss of lives following the stripping of special status. He said that the Indian government's first concern was to ensure that there was no loss of lives due to violence and demonstrations in the region post abrogation of Article 370. "We had the experience of 2016 when a self-advertised terrorist cult figure called Burhan Wani was killed and after that, there was a spike in violence. Our intention was to manage the situation (post Article 370) without loss of life and restrictions were intended to do that," he said. "As many as 42,000 people were killed in the last 30 years. Level of intimidation had reached a height where senior police officers were lynched on streets of Srinagar. Journalists who wrote against separatism were assassinated, military personnel returning home for Eid were kidnapped and killed. So, Pre August 5 Kashmir was in a mess. Difficulties in Kashmir did not start on August 5. It is supposed to be a way of dealing with those difficulties," the minister underlined. Jaishankar said that the situation in the region has now stabilized and lots of restrictions have been rolled back including the operationalizing of landlines and mobile towers and resumption of economic activity. "Particular efforts are being made to keep the supplies normal in the state. This is a harvest season for apples. Efforts are being made to procure apples so that farmers do not get victimized by these changes," he said. He explained how Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India after the country gained freedom in 1947 and the drafting of Article 370. "The situation in Jammu and Kashmir was peculiar for a number of reasons as it was a border state but also they were themselves under attack at that time. They had the desire to extend the period of alignment with the rest of India in terms of the application of laws. The Constituent Assembly recognized that it was a special case at that time," he said in an interactive session with Frank G. Wisner, a former US ambassador to India. "The only temporary article of the constitution was drafted which was called Article 370. At that time, it was numbered as 306a. After the Constitution was adopted, there was a series of presidential proclamations under that article that started aligning the state. In the last 70 years, you had 54 of these presidential proclamations," Jaishankar added. Outlining the reasons for the problems faced in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was adopted, the minister said that the presidential proclamations were very rapid in the initial years and there was a climate of intimidation and separatism in Kashmir. "You did not have the economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir as compared to the rest of India. There were less job opportunities and there was a more sense of alienation, separatism and therefore, a climate of terrorism across the border. The state was in socio-economic terms less aligned with India. 100 important progressive laws of India did not apply to Kashmir," Jaishankar remarked. The minister said that the temporary provision allowed a set of narrow elite to arbitrage Article 370 for monopolizing political power and creating a closed-loop politics. "They had vested interests in keeping alive separatist sentiments. You had a situation where separatist political parties were openly allied with terror groups operating out of Pakistan. They had vested interests in keeping alive separatist sentiments," he said. India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World. Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India. Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalize the Kashmir issue but to no avail.

Kashmir was a mess before August 5: Jaishankar on Article 370

India and Pakistan should resolve their disputes on Kashmir through "dialogue and discussion", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Tuesday during a telephonic conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

The call was made by Qureshi as part of Islamabad`s nefarious designs to internationalise the Kashmir issue after New Delhi changed the constitutional status of the region by abrogating Article 370.

"The Foreign Minister apprised his Bangladeshi counterpart of the illegal and unilateral actions of India to alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was in contravention of the international law and UNSC resolutions," a statement by Pakistan Foreign Ministry read.

"The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and discussions," it added.

Pakistan is rattled by the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated on the matter after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by many countries, including US, Russia, and France.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had earlier made it clear that the Indian government`s move on Kashmir was the country`s internal matter.

A similar stance has been maintained by most of the SAARC countries, including Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror. 
&nbsp;

India and Pakistan should resolve their disputes on Kashmir through "dialogue and discussion", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Tuesday during a telephonic conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

India and Pakistan should resolve their disputes on Kashmir through "dialogue and discussion", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Tuesday during a telephonic conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The call was made by Qureshi as part of Islamabad`s nefarious designs to internationalise the Kashmir issue after New Delhi changed the constitutional status of the region by abrogating Article 370. "The Foreign Minister apprised his Bangladeshi counterpart of the illegal and unilateral actions of India to alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was in contravention of the international law and UNSC resolutions," a statement by Pakistan Foreign Ministry read. "The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and discussions," it added. Pakistan is rattled by the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated on the matter after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by many countries, including US, Russia, and France. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had earlier made it clear that the Indian government`s move on Kashmir was the country`s internal matter. A similar stance has been maintained by most of the SAARC countries, including Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Resolve disputes with India through talks: Bangladesh Foreign Minister tells Shah Mehmood Qureshi

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17.&nbsp;

The meeting will take place on September 26 in New York and a confirmation has been given to SAARC's chair, Nepal.

This will be for the first time both Indian and Pak foreign ministers will be under the same roof this year. This comes in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Last year, India had snubbed Pakistan at the informal SAARC meet of foreign ministers and strongly raised the issue of terror. India's then foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj and her Pak counterpart Qureshi were present during the meet.&nbsp;

The meeting happened at The Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York and was attended by all SAARC members. The meeting, that was to go on for two hours, concluded in just over an hour with Swaraj making her statement and leaving.

Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's then external affairs minister Sushma had Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region and it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support."

Pak FM Qureshi was at his usual undiplomatic best who stated, "The EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit and talk and you're blocking that?"

India's focus has been on the BIMSTEC since the cancellation of SAARC Summit in 2016 in the aftermath of the URI terror attack. Remember, India - along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives - had boycotted the summit in Islamabad.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17. The meeting will take place on September 26 in New York and a confirmation has been given to SAARC's chair, Nepal. This will be for the first time both Indian and Pak foreign ministers will be under the same roof this year. This comes in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, India had snubbed Pakistan at the informal SAARC meet of foreign ministers and strongly raised the issue of terror. India's then foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj and her Pak counterpart Qureshi were present during the meet. The meeting happened at The Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York and was attended by all SAARC members. The meeting, that was to go on for two hours, concluded in just over an hour with Swaraj making her statement and leaving. Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's then external affairs minister Sushma had Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region and it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support." Pak FM Qureshi was at his usual undiplomatic best who stated, "The EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit and talk and you're blocking that?" India's focus has been on the BIMSTEC since the cancellation of SAARC Summit in 2016 in the aftermath of the URI terror attack. Remember, India - along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives - had boycotted the summit in Islamabad.

Jaishankar, Qureshi confirm presence at informal SAARC foreign ministers' meet in September

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit.

"A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here.

The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016.

However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers.

Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday. He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit. "A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here. The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016. However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers. Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal plans SAARC Foreign Ministers' informal meet on UN General Assembly sidelines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-wouldnt-want-a-friend-like-bhutan-it-is-an-honour-to-be-part-of-its-development-pm-modi-in-thimpu-243651">Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology</a>, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday.

"Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it. Now with the help of the Indian government, with the help of ISRO, and SAARC satellite activities are going on," Tshering told ANI.

"We're very happy and very grateful to the government of India for building a station here. From now on, we'd like to tap resources from there.&nbsp;Through PM Modi's leadership, ISRO is willing to help us build our human capacity in that so we`re looking forward to that," he added.

His statement to ANI came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi from Paro, after wrapping up his fruitful two-day bilateral trip to Bhutan.

Both India and Bhutan have agreed to focus on newer areas of bilateral cooperation like education, health, and space.&nbsp;

Taking this forward, out of the nine MoUs inked between the two nations, at least seven are in the field of education.

An MoU between ISRO and the Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT) of the Royal Government of Bhutan on the establishment of SATCOM Network for the Utilisation of South Asia Satellite was also exchanged.

The Bhutanese leader highlighted that the cornerstone of the India-Bhutan relationship is the people-to-people connection.

"The main theme of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan this time was healthy people to people contact. He came with a big smile and left with a big smile," he added.

The two countries share a warm and time-tested relationship which continues to strengthen under PM Modi`s leadership.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan exemplifies the importance that India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.&nbsp;

Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday. "Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it.

Bhutan would like to tap resources from India to develop its space technology, said the Bhutanese Prime Minister (Dr) Lotay Tshering here on Sunday. "Bhutan being an underdeveloped country, we wished to have it (space technology) many years back but because of economic reasons, we could not do it. Now with the help of the Indian government, with the help of ISRO, and SAARC satellite activities are going on," Tshering told ANI. "We're very happy and very grateful to the government of India for building a station here. From now on, we'd like to tap resources from there. Through PM Modi's leadership, ISRO is willing to help us build our human capacity in that so we`re looking forward to that," he added. His statement to ANI came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi from Paro, after wrapping up his fruitful two-day bilateral trip to Bhutan. Both India and Bhutan have agreed to focus on newer areas of bilateral cooperation like education, health, and space. Taking this forward, out of the nine MoUs inked between the two nations, at least seven are in the field of education. An MoU between ISRO and the Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT) of the Royal Government of Bhutan on the establishment of SATCOM Network for the Utilisation of South Asia Satellite was also exchanged. The Bhutanese leader highlighted that the cornerstone of the India-Bhutan relationship is the people-to-people connection. "The main theme of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan this time was healthy people to people contact. He came with a big smile and left with a big smile," he added. The two countries share a warm and time-tested relationship which continues to strengthen under PM Modi`s leadership. The Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan exemplifies the importance that India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

'Grateful to India for building ground station here', says Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region.

Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. &nbsp;

Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). &nbsp;

After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and foreign minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. &nbsp;

In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation.

A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh-China- India-Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor.

In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east.

The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. &nbsp;

The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours.

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region. Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and foreign minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation. A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh-China- India-Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor. In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east. The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: SAARC versus BIMSTEC versus BCIM

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