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In a significant development, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held informal talks during the 18th Saarc Summit retreat yesterday afternoon. |
Both sides maintained silence over the talks and did not divulge any details after the informal meeting.
The effect of the informal talks between Modi and Sharif was immediately reflected in the proposed agreements. The heads of state and government have agreed to sign the Saarc Framework Agreement on Energy Co-operation now and decided to sign two other agreements -- relating to movement of motor vehicles and railways -- within three months in a big face-saver for 18th Saarc Summit host Nepal in particular and the region as a whole.
Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign relations adviser to Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, who was present at the retreat, confirmed to IANS that both the leaders held informal talks after meeting each other along with other heads of the state and government.
Prime Minister Koirala pushed the leaders of the two South Asian neighbours to sit for talks, at least informally now, and break the logjam in the bilateral India-Pakistan relations.
When the two leaders were talking, other heads of state and government were also there. The retreat is an informal gathering in Saarc summits, and is referred to as “beauty time”.
In his personal talks with Modi, Koirala asked the Indian prime minister to reach out to Pakistan given its stature as Saarc leader, and its size, population and economy.
Though Modi and Sharif shook hands and talked briefly Wednesday, they had not interacted with each other at length.
The Saarc leaders, including Modi, Sharif and Koirala, cracked jokes, planted trees and shared personal trivia with each other.
Located in the neighbourhood of Kathmandu Valley, the Shangrila Resort in Dhulikhel is famous for its scenic beauty.
“While watching the Himalayas and taking herbal and organic food, Modi and Sharif were seen more open and close,” a diplomat said.
“The focus was on how to carry on the Saarc process and how to strengthen bilateral ties.”
