PM Narendra Modi's statement came on SAARC's Charter Day on Wednesday

Greeting people of all the nations of South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on its 37th Charter Day on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is committed to strengthening regional cooperation and integration.

“As a founding member of SAARC, India is committed to strengthening regional cooperation and integration through various initiatives for development and progress of all countries in the region,” PM Modi’s written message wishing people of SAARC nations on its Charter Day said.

“India will continue to share the fruits of its economic, scientific and technological progress with SAARC members for the welfare and larger good of the people of the region,” he said.

“During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, our countries achieved excellent collaboration. The impact of the pandemic has been mitigated through sharing of resources including medicines, medical equipment, vaccines and enhancing expertise through capacity building initiatives,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

PM Modi stated that a conducive environment, reinforced by peace and security, in the region, with a result-oriented approach will go a long way in achieving the aims and objectives of SAARC.

“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia,” the Prime Minister noted.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.

SAARC comprises eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

There are eight areas of cooperation viz. Human Resource Development and Tourism; Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Natural Disasters and Biotechnology; Economic, Trade and Finance, Social Affairs; Information and Poverty Alleviation; Energy, Transport, Science and Technology; and Education, Security and Culture.

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