Saarc Summit ends on a positive note
AFTER a day of uncertainty marked by a stand-off of sorts between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, who did not exchange greetings nor shook hands on the inaugural day, the second day saw them warmly shaking hands to the relief of everybody. And of the three agreements on the table, the most important one on structured cooperation in energy has been clinched.
The other two, viz. motor vehicles and regional railway pacts, too have been embraced with a three-month gestation period for approval. Overall, therefore, a region-wide infrastructure connectivity is envisaged.
A momentous energy accord has been signed featured by facilitation of an integrated operation of a regional power grid, creation of a regional energy market and provision for cross-border electricity trade. How genuine mutual interests and needs of South Asian nations can override any notion of bilateral tension between India and Pakistan has been proven to the hilt. In a way, Saarc has withstood another test of time.
Also, the deal signifies the triumph of collective will of the Saarc member-countries reflected through a robust commitment to work for the common good of the peoples of South Asian countries. It is also a measure of importance India and Pakistan have to the furtherance of Saarc as regional grouping for one-third of humanity.
Now that a major deal has been signed through collective political at the highest level, an effective composite regional machinery needs to be quickly put in place to implement it.
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