External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reached out to Pakistan during her speech at the Heart of Asia summit in Islamabad today.
She stated, “Let me take this opportunity to extend our hand to Pakistan as well. It is time we display the maturity and self-confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional and trade cooperation.” This represents a significant shift in India’s approach and comes on the heels of positive interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Paris recently. Sushma Swaraj Offers Support to Pakistan at Heart of Asia Summit in Islamabad
The current Heart of Asia summit emphasizes Afghanistan while promoting regional connectivity and security. Swaraj expressed India’s desire for regional prosperity through interconnected trade, transit, energy, and communication routes. She remarked, “Nothing can benefit Afghanistan more than full and direct overland access to India’s markets.”
EAM @SushmaSwaraj commences address at HoA pic.twitter.com/iaprSPEP2L
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 9, 2015
EAM @SushmaSwaraj makes arrival statement in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/gMPn3L3D57
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 8, 2015
Additionally, Swaraj mentioned that India is prepared to welcome Afghan trucks at Attari and is ready to participate in Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade & Transit Agreements.
