Modi holds ’fruitful’ talks with SAARC leaders, raises terror with Pak

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New Delhi, May 27, 2014(CNN-IBN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his work. On his first day in office, he met the prime ministers and premiers of eight countries constituting the SAARC or South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, holding what the External Affairs Ministry labelled as ’fruitful talks’.

"On the whole, the meeting with the leaders of the eight countries was fruitful and positive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on the idea of SAARC for regional cooperation and how it can contribute to growth and development in all countries," Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said.

The Foreign Secretary also said that India had demanded more action in the 26/11 terror attacks trial from Pakistan. "PM Narendra Modi underlined our concerns relating to terrorism. He expressed that Pakistan should extend help to India in the speedy trial of the 26/11 Mumbai attack. He also expressed his concern with Pakistan to ensure that their boundaries are not used by the terrorists," Singh said.

Singh said that all the SAARC leaders had also invited Modi to visit their countries.

"PM Narendra Modi had a good and substantive meeting with all the leaders. They have invited Modi to visit their countries. Mr Modi has accepted their invitations. He thanked Afghanistan for the co-operation of Afghan forces in repelling the attack in Herat. He noted that India valued its relationship with Sri Lanka and pressed for the release of Indian fishermen. He also thanked Nepal PM Sushil Koirala for his co-operation," Singh said.