Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not take part in the SAARC summit, schedule to take place in Islamabad in November this year, Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that they have not received and official communication in this regard and they got to know about the development through MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup's tweet. However, Pakistan has called India's decision to not to participate the SAARC summit is unfortunate.
"Pak has noted from Indian Spokesperson's tweet on Indian announcement about their refusal to participate in SAARC summit being hosted by us." Pakistan MoFA said in a statement.
"We have not received any official communication in this regard, the Indian announcement is unfortunate: Pakistan MoFAPak remains committed to peace & regional coop'n. Will continue to work to that end in the larger interest of people of this region," it said.
“In the prevailing circumstances, the Government of India is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad,†MEA had said in a statement.
The development comes amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, that had left 18 Indian soldiers martyred earlier this month.
"India conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in internal affairs of Member States by one country created environment that’s not conducive to successful holding of summit in Islamabad,†the statement added.
“India remains steadfast in commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity but believes that it can only go forward in atmosphere free of terror.†It said.
Also, in a related development, sources have told ANI that other countries that are skipping SAARC summit in Pakistan are Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
“We also understand that some other SAARC Member States have also conveyed their reservation about attending Islamabad Summit in Nov '16,†MEA said.
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