Narendra Modi says 'no' to attending SAARC summit in Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November amidst heightened tension between India and Pakistan

Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November amidst heightened tension between India and Pakistan.

Announcing the decision last night, India said that “one country” has created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the summit.

“India has conveyed to current SAARC Chair, Nepal, that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. “In the prevailing circumstances, the Government of India is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad,” it said.

According to sources, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan are the other countries which have said no to attending the summit.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!