Modi government jeopardises regional cooperation

The decision by the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not attending the SAARC conference in Pakistan is being viewed as a measure which has placed regional cooperation in jeopardy.

By announcing its decision, Modi’s government has sent a clear message that it does not believe in resolving regional matters via dialogue.

The conference which was scheduled to take place in Islamabad on November 9-10 has now been postponed. The decision to postpone was made after member countries Afghanistan and Bhutan withdrew from the conference. Bangladesh said it was not going to attend the conference as it did not expect it to be productive.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz said that whenever the conference is held it will be in Pakistan. Mr. Aziz added the conference is called off if one member country announces its decision not to attend.