New Delhi/Nellore: In a stunning development, India completely isolated Pakistan among the Saarc countries on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a video conference event of leaders of all Saarc countries minus Pakistan on the occasion of the successful launch of the South Asia Satellite.
In a veiled barb at Pakistan without naming it, Mr Modi said the successful satellite launch that will benefit South Asia symbolises “cooperation, not conflict”, and “development, not destruction”.
He said “the South Asia Satellite tells us that even the sky is not the limit when it comes to regional cooperation among like-minded countries”.
In what is being seen as a victory of Mr Modi’s diplomacy with the rest of the Saarc region despite Pakistan’s hostility, he was joined in the video conference by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Abd-ulla Yameen, Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
In a telling comment, which is also seen as a barb against Islamabad, Afghanistan President Ghani said, “The gap between talk and action is bridged today. The advantages of cooperation outweighs the advantages of competition.”
Mr Modi had last Sunday described the South Asia Satellite as India’s “priceless gift” to its neighbours and on Friday again said it was part of the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (cooperation from all, development for all) concept.
Pakistan had reportedly refused to join the project as it did not want the “gift” from India.
Just a month after he assumed office, Mr Modi had stated in June, 2014, that “India will offer a satellite to Saarc countries to meet their socio-economic development and welfare needs thro-ugh space technology”.
Congratulating India, Bangladesh Prime Min-ister Sheikh Hasina said the betterment of the people could happen through fruitful engagement.
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said: “The launch of the South Asian Satellite, our satellite, is a historic moment for the world. It ushers in a new era of regional cooperation. It augurs well for our region and for nations like Bhutan.”
Maldives’ President Abdulla Yameen said the launch is an example of India’s ‘Neighbour First’ policy. “We must work for common good, better economic opportunities, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” he said.
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said, “This will enhance connectivity and it will be helpful to provide communication services in the mountain and hilly regions of Nepal.”
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said the South Asia Satellite would provide assistance to many priority areas of the region and the initiative would support people in all regions, enhance economic conditions and help eliminate poverty.
