KATHMANDU: India has called upon SAARC member states to collectively resolve to defeat the scourge of terrorism, including the forces that nurture, support and encourage an environment of terror and conflict.

Speaking at the annual Informal Meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers on Thursday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the issues impede the objective of SAARC to realize its full potential for collective collaboration and prosperity across South Asia.

He further emphasized that cross-border terrorism, blocking connectivity and obstructing trade as the three key challenges that SAARC must overcome.

“Only then will we see enduring peace, prosperity and security in our South Asia region,” said Jaishankar.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar, in his statement, reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to SAARC in building a connected, integrated, secure and prosperous South Asia.

He highlighted a slew of India’s measures in the follow-up to the SAARC Leaders video conference, including virtually convening health professionals and trade officials meetings, creating a ‘COVID-19 Information Exchange Platform (COINEX), foreign currency swap support and activation of SAARC Food Bank mechanism.

Minister Jaishankar informed that under India’s contribution to SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund, the supply of essential drugs, medical consumables, COVID protection and testing kits, and other equipment, amounting to USD 2.3 million, were made available to countries in the SAARC region.

He also reiterated India’s continued commitment to assisting countries in the SAARC region in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.