Full potential of SAARC can only be realised in atmosphere free of terror: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said full potential of SAARC can only be realised in an atmosphere free of terror and violence, even as his Nepali counterpart K P Oli pitched for an early convening of summit of eight-member regional grouping.

Modi, in his mess on occasion of 36th charter day of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), also called for commitment to defeat forces that "support and nurture terrorism".

" full potential of SAARC can only be realised in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. On this 36th SAARC Charter Day, let us re-commit ourselves to defeating forces that support and nurture terrorism, and to work collectively towards a secure and prosperous South Asia," Prime Minister said.

Modi also said India remains committed to an "integrated, connected, secure and prosperous" South Asia, and will continue to support ecomic, techlogical, cultural and social development of region.

In his mess, Oli said,"time has come to move forward with concrete action in ground with needed political will and commitment. Giving fresh impetus to stalled SAARC process including through early convening of Summit can rekindle hope among our people and provide ground to move forward." ting that early coordination between SAARC countries for dealing with COVID-19 pandemic is an example of benefit that our region can derive from greater collaboration, Modi said India will continue to work with or countries in region to ensure a robust recovery after pandemic.

SAARC leaders, under India's initiative, held a virtual meeting in March to work on a common strategy to effectively deal with coronavirus pandemic.

In mess, Modi conveyed "warm greetings" to citizens of member states of grouping.

SAARC is a regional bloc comprising India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

SAARC has t been very effective since 2016 as its biennial summits have t taken place since last one in Kathmandu in 2014.

2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in summit, saying "increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in region... have created an environment that is t conducive" for meet.

summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in Islamabad meet.