Pakistan plays spoiler at SAARC

Kathmandu: The proposed agreements for better regional connectivity, including a motor vehicle pact, to be signed during the SAARC Summit are unlikely to be inked with Pakistan opposing them, saying it was yet to complete its “internal processes”.

On SAARC’s connectivity pacts, external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said these agreements were discussed at various levels and there was no objection from any country but one state has indicated that they need approvals of their “internal processes”. He did no name the country. Sources said the country was Pakistan.

Noting that SAARC works on consensus, which is a “smart and efficient way” of working, Mr Akbaruddin said India hopes of some “tangible” outcomes as SAARC has often been accused of not moving fast. “We are ready to join the consensus,” he added.

Ahead of the visit by PM Narendra Modi to attend 18th SAARC summit, the Cabinet had cleared the signing and ratifying of the agreements on motor vehicles and regional railways.

A host of key issues, including lifting of restrictions for movement of goods, opening new transport connectivity were discussed at the foreign ministers meet.

Up to India to start talking, says Sharif

Pakistan sought to put the onus on India for talks between the Prime Ministers amidst indications of an interaction on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit.

Mr Nawaz Sharif said, “cancellation of talks was New Delhi's unilateral decision,” and the “ball is now in India’s court for talks between both the countries.”

Diplomatic sources here said it was unlikely that Mr Sharif and Mr Narendra Modi will not meet, given that they will be at the conference and attend the retreat together on Thursday.

Significantly, Mr Modi’s official itinerary did not mention any structured meeting with Mr Sharif.