Sunday Times 2
New EAM: India prefers BIMSTEC, as SAARC has certain problems
View(s):NEW DELHI – (Pess Trust of India) – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday said India will aim to enhance regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC grouping as there have been certain problems with SAARC.
India's new External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
Speaking at a seminar, he also said that implementation of developmental projects in neighbouring countries and elsewhere will be one of his key focus areas.
In his first public comments after taking charge of the external affairs ministry, he also said regional connectivity is going to be a key priority for India and BIMSTEC could be a key vehicle for economic prosperity and regional integration.
BIMSTEC, Jaishankar said, is witnessing a great deal of positive energy. It was decided to leverage that and invite the leaders of BIMSTEC nations to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi last month, he added.
“SAARC has certain problems and we all know what it is. Even if you were to put terrorism issue aside there are connectivity issues, there are trade issues,” he said.