Coronavirus Outbreak: PM Modi suggests joint SAARC strategy, calls for discussion via video conferencing

In a move that can see a revival of SAARC grouping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the south Asian member states to chalk out a joint strategy to fight novel coronavirus pandemic. 

As positive cases in India rose to 75, Prime Minister Modi proposed that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus."

SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation with eight members including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In a series of tweets, Modi wrote, "Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy."

I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus, he said. 

We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy, Modi suggested. 

"Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet," he added. 

The last SAARC Summit was held in November 2014, the only gathering of leaders of the member states since Modi came to power that year. The scheduled summit of 2016 in Pakistan was cancelled after Uri attack in September that year. 

Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have accepted India's offer with their respective governments giving their assent on Twitter. While the response from Afghanistan and Bangladesh is awaited, it will be interesting to see if Pakistan's government of Prime Minister Imran Khan accepted the proposal. 

On Thursday, Pakistani Foreign Ministry had said it was ready to "provide assistance to our neighbouring countries."

In response to a question by WION, the Pak MOFA spokesperson said at the weekly press briefing, "On Coronavirus, as I said before that the Government of Pakistan is monitoring the situation very closely and will take measures required for the citizens within Pakistan and any assistance we can provide to our neighbouring countries.”

Sources in Islamabad said on Friday that the suggestion by Indian PM has been noted "positively" and will be discussed at Pakistan's National Security Council.