SAARC Summit: PM Narendra Modi favours 3-5 year business visas to citizens of member nations

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to reach out to India’s South Asian neighbours, while at the same time marking the anniversary of the November 2008 terrorist attack that allegedly originated from militant groups based in Pakistan.

“Today, as we remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the endless pain of lost lives. Let us work together to fulfil the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes,” Modi said at the inaugural session of the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit in Kathmandu on Wednesday, addressing fellow leaders, including Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif. He suggested that all states should be sensitive to each other’s security for stability in the region.

Modi unveiled his vision for a barrier-free South Asia, including three-five year business visas to citizens of member nations. He also called for better connectivity and infrastructure, more trade, relaxed visa regimes and the use of space technology for mutual benefit as the leader of the dominant power in the region. The move on business visas could have far-reaching impact, if adopted. “Let’s make it even easier for our businesses through a Saarc Business Traveller Card,” he said.

Pakistani government officials, however, appeared sceptical about the business visa proposal. “While this is a noble idea, the Indian government has not been honouring past visa agreements with Pakistan, making it difficult for our businessmen and pilgrims to visit this country. Past agreements should be honoured,” a Pakistani official told ET, indicating that reciprocity may not be in the offing in the near future.

Modi’s remarks at the inauguration came after Sharif said his country preferred a dispute-free South Asia. He also said, “We must jointly fight poverty, malnutrition” rather than each other.”

Sharif’s speech was seen as an effort to send a message to India, which had cancelled foreign secretary level dialogue after Pakistani diplomats met with the Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat Conference grouping. A Sharif-Modi meeting may take place after the Pakistani premier put the ball in India’s court and Delhi responded by saying meaningful dialogue was only possible on specific issues.

“Samay ki maang hai ke hum pass pass bhi hain, lekin saath saath bhi ho (The need of the hour is that we don’t just remain near each other, but be together as well),” Modi said in a brief shift to Hindi during his 24-minute speech in English.