SAARC is now committed to tackling terrorism; addressing the security concerns of the smaller nations; eliminating poverty; and ensuring effective cooperation among the nations in the true spirit of cooperation for regional development. The Islamabad Declaration, which incorporates as many as 42 articles, has also laid emphasis on a very important issue -- catering to the needs of the less developed member states by providing them special and preferential treatment. This is an imperative that the planners of regional economic cooperation had to take into account to make sure that all the countries attained competitiveness in the field of trade and commerce in order reach the common goal of balanced economic development. But at the initial stage, they certainly need some kind of a shot in the arm that could be provided only by the stronger economies.

SAARC is now following the principle that was the basis of the great successes that other regional groupings have achieved in recent times.

The attitudinal change and the readiness to leave behind an unwieldy historical baggage, which include many tricky issues, have been the most striking feature of the Summit, and that is particularly true about India and Pakistan. There has also been a marked departure from the approach seen in the past which kept the two neighbours tethered to the Kashmir issue only. But this time around they appeared ready to go beyond that, and the 'negative vibrations' of the past were not allowed to derail the present course of action which is expected to produce more positive results soon.

The bottom line is that the SAARC nations are looking forward. However, a great deal of consistency and commitment to regional issues will be needed in the days ahead to attain the goals set by the SAARC leaders.