Heads of Indian Missions in neighbourhood to meet in Delhi

NEW DELHI: In tune with its initiative to improve ties with neighbours, government has summoned heads of Indian Missions in these countries including China and Pakistan for a day-long conclave here tomorrow aimed at charting out "concrete follow-up plan" with each country within specified timelines.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will chair all the sessions of the conclave - the first of its kind - where she will take stock of the current state of play in India's relations with each of the neighbouring countries and set down the new government's priorities and approach.

"Following up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic initiative to invite leaders of SAARC countries and Mauritius to his swearing in ceremony, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh has summoned all Indian Heads of Mission in the neighbourhood for a day-long conclave here tomorrow," official sources said.

They said the conclave is aimed at charting out concrete follow-up plans with each South Asian neighbour within "specified timelines".

Head of Mission in Mauritius has also been asked to attend the conclave which comes within a month of the Prime Minister's meeting with the leaders of India's South Asian neighbours.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom were among the South Asian leaders who had attended Modi's swearing-in on May 26.

Bangladesh was represented by Speaker Shirin Chaudhury as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on a visit to Japan.

Modi had bilateral meetings with each of the leaders. This was for the first time the heads of state and government of SAARC nations were invited to attend the swearing-in of an Indian Prime Minister.

Besides, SAARC nations, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam also had attended the in ceremony.

The government has already gave a clear indication that improving ties with the neighbouring countries was a priority for it.