New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to seek the cooperation of India’s neighbours to check extremist violence and to adopt an approach of zero tolerance towards terrorism at the two-day SAARC Summit beginning on Wednesday in Kathmandu.
Reacting on the possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in Kathmandu said, “Wait till tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Ms Swaraj clarified that Mr Modi’s visit to Janakpur, the birth place of Sita, has not been cancelled but only postponed due to his busy schedule.
“It would not be appropriate to say that the visit was cancelled. During his previous visit to Nepal the Prime Minister had said that he would like to visit Janakpur, Lumbini and Muktinath. However, the schedule was busy as the Parliament session has started. That is why he won’t be able to go there,” Ms Swaraj said.
Mr Modi will travel to Kathmandu on Tuesday to attend the summit in Nepal where he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with leaders of SAARC nations on November 26-27. The Prime Minister will be leading a power-packed delegation, including external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and NSA Ajit Doval.
Meanwhile, showing India’s commitment to strengthening ties, Mr Modi will hand over to Nepal an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv Mark 3 which will be used for military operations.
“The helicopter has already reached Kathmandu and it will be handed over on Tuesday,” sources said.
