India’s MEA has blamed Pakistan for the ongoing impasse within SAARC, as Bhutan nominates its candidate for the next Secretary-General. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s clear position on the regional body’s dysfunction.
India Blames Pakistan for SAARC Deadlock
The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated India’s commitment to regional cooperation while directly attributing the impasse within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to Pakistan. SAARC grouping comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing in response to queries regarding Bhutan’s proposal for the next SAARC Secretary-General, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that he would check on the current administrative status of the candidacy, while reiterating India’s fundamental stance on the regional body. “On SAARC, our position is clear. We know why it isn’t moving, and one specific country is responsible. Regarding the Secretary General candidacy, I will have to check the current position,” he said.
This comes after Bhutan nominated Dasho Sonam Topgay to serve as the 16th secretary-general of the SAARC, according to The Kathmandu Post. The move follows the upcoming conclusion of the tenure of the incumbent Secretary-General Golam Sarwar of Bangladesh, whose three-year ter ends in late October.
In line with SAARC’s standard alphabetical rotation system among member states, Bhutan holds the right to appoint the next head of the regional secretariat, The Kathmandu Post reported. The Kathmandu Post reported that if all seven remaining member nations approve Bhutan’s proposal, Topgay will officially take over the leadership role by late October.
Calls for SAARC Revival from Member Nations
Earlier in July, India said that it favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades and that people know which country and which activities are “stymying” the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Responding to queries during a regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said any cooperation needs goodwill. “When it comes to regional cooperation, India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades now. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are actually stymying SAARC… After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal said.
He was answering a query on appeal by Maldives to revive the SAARC process. Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism has stalled any dialogue with India. Pakistan has also been carrying out acts of aggression against Afghanistan.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu had also called for the revival of SAARC, urging member states to resolve differences via dialogue in the interest of the region. Muizzu referred to the current impasse within the SAARC grouping and reiterated that differences should be resolved through dialogue. As per the statement, he called on SAARC member states to return to the negotiating table in the interest of regional peace and cooperation. He added that the Maldives stands ready to serve as a mediator in order to break the deadlock currently being faced by the grouping.
In his wide-ranging remarks delivered in front of 113 diplomats representing 43 countries and international organisations, the Maldivian President also elaborated on the government’s foreign policy, and called on the international community to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.
Earlier, Bangladesh also voiced its support towards deepening cooperation within South Asia and urged bridging the gap between potential and performance. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed listed key measures to revive the body. (ANI)
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