SAARC Secretary-General Golam Sarwar is set to embark on an official visit to India from May 11 to 14, arriving in Delhi for a series of significant meetings and engagements. During his stay, Sarwar will meet with key Indian officials, including Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
One of the highlights of Sarwar’s visit is his participation in the 3rd Shakti Sinha Memorial Lecture on ‘The Future of SAARC,’ scheduled for Monday. This event, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), underscores the importance of SAARC’s regional cooperation and development initiatives.
Apart from his address at the memorial lecture, Sarwar will also hold discussions with Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, secretary (East) in the MEA, and visit the South Asian University in Delhi’s Maidan Garhi. His itinerary showcases a comprehensive engagement aimed at enhancing cooperation and fostering dialogue within the SAARC framework.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, established on December 8, 1985, consists of eight member states, including India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The SAARC Secretariat, located in Kathmandu since January 17, 1987, plays a pivotal role in coordinating regional efforts towards economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
The objectives of SAARC, as outlined by the SAARC Secretariat, revolve around promoting the welfare of South Asian peoples, accelerating economic and social progress, fostering collective self-reliance, and enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as economics, culture, and science.
Sarwar’s visit underscores the continued importance of regional cooperation and collaboration within the SAARC framework, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering stronger ties and partnerships with its South Asian neighbors.