28.9.16

India Pulls Out of Saarc Summit

India pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit to be held in Islamabad in November, automatically forcing its postponement and ratcheting up the pressure on Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Uri that led to the death of 18 soldiers. The move is aimed at undermining Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif 's stature and marks his country's isolation in the region with other member nations rallying in support of India.
“In the prevailing circumstances, the government of India is unable to participate in the proposed summit in Islamabad,“ External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said.“We also understand that some other Saarc member states have conveyed their reservations about attending the Islamabad summit in November 2016.“
India, which holds Pakistan responsible for a series of terrorist attacks on its soil, has been looking for ways in which it can put pressure on the neighbouring country to end these and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Toward this end, the Modi government has been examining the Indus river water treaty and plans to review the most-favoured nation status accorded to Pakistan in 1996 on Thursday .
India wouldn't be able to attend the summit given the current situation, the government said. Nonetheless, India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but feels these can only go forward in an atmosphere free of terror, he said.
India also handed over evidence to Pakistan on Tuesday of direct involvement of Pak-based terrorists in the Uri attack.

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