- Saturday, April 20, 2024
By: Pramod Thomas
INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (13) proposed a strong joint strategy involving SAARC countries to fight the coronavirus threat in the region.
“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy,” Modi said in a series of posts on his official Twitter handle.
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.
Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
“Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet,” he said in his post.
His proposal has found backing from the leaders of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Pakistan is yet to respond.
This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference. https://t.co/2RnokAJQOs
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) March 13, 2020
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) comprises Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Maldives.
The Indian Prime Minister said “Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it.
“South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy,” he added.
“Thank you for the great initiative Shri @narendramodi- #LKA is ready to join the discussion & share our learnings & best practices and to learn from other #SAARC members. Let’s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe,” said Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan president on twitter.
Thank you for the great initiative Shri @narendramodi – #LKA is ready to join the discussion & share our learnings & best practices and to learn from other #SAARC members. Let’s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe. https://t.co/fAiT5w3O8D
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) March 13, 2020
India has reported 82 positive coronavirus positive cases so far with two deaths.
SAARC comprises 3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s population and 3.8% (US$2.9 trillion) of the global economy.
SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
