South Asian leaders rue lack of trust among nations in the region

NEW DELHI: As connectivity and integration imperative to expanding economic partnership South Asian leaders on Tuesday rued that lack of trust and confidence among the countries in the region as obstacles to prosperity and growth with Pakistan's policy singled out by ex-Afghan President Hamid Karzai blocking India's path to Kabul, Central Asia, Russia and beyond.

At the inaugural version of India's Shangrila Dialogue -- Raisina Dialogue here on a star-studded evening here -- Karzai rued that notwithstanding his efforts to improve relations with neighbouring Pakistan during his Presidency Islamabad has tried to dictate Kabul's foreign policy towards other countries (read India). "Pakistan is blocking India's reach to Central Asia and beyond," asserted the former President as he described India as Kabul's best friend.

However, Karzai's former colleague and ex-Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga was less charitable in her description of India's role in South Asian integration. "Lack of political will is preventing and lack of trust between India and Pakistan is not helping integration and growth in South Asia."

Both Karzai and Kumaratunga, however, felt that China and India can join hands for effective regional integration through Beijing's One Belt One Road strategy.

Host of the conference and India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who inaugurated the Dialogue suggested that good neighbourly relations can lead to better connectivity in South Asia. Simultaneously calling for connectivity in the maritime space, Swaraj called for safe and secure seas amid China's ambitions in the region.

In this context the Minister referred to India's maritime dispute resolution with Bangladesh and pointed that this could set an example for other maritime disputes. Expressing similar sentiments Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mahmud Ali highlighted several steps towards sub-regional cooperation involving Delhi and Dhaka besides Nepal and Bhutan.

The three-day Raisina Dialogue is being organised by MEA in collaboration with Delhi-based think tank ORF with theme on Asian connectivity with participants from across Asian continent, Australia, Africa, Russia and Africa.