On Friday, Modi had urged the SAARC countries member states to chalk out a joint strategy to fight novel coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with SAARC leaders on Sunday through video conference on measures to deal with novel coronavirus after all member states conveyed their availability.
Modi will lead India at the video conference of all SAARC nations to chalk out a strong common strategy to fight COVID-19 in the region, the government said.
On Friday, Modi had urged the SAARC countries member states to chalk out a joint strategy to fight novel coronavirus pandemic.
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation with eight members including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In a series of tweets, Modi wrote, "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."
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus, he said.
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy, Modi suggested.
"Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet," he added.
The last SAARC Summit was held in November 2014, the only gathering of leaders of the member states since Modi came to power that year. The scheduled summit of 2016 in Pakistan was cancelled after Uri attack in September that year.
On Friday, all other SAARC countries had welcome the idea and affirmed participation in the meet.
Bhutan Prime Minister, Nepali PM, Sri Lankan President, Maldivian President took to Twitter and while accepting the proposal called it necessary.
Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner N Kadurugamuwa told WION, "This is a good initiative by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to fight against the deadly coronavirus epidemic threatening the world. We welcome this timely initiative."
Afghanistan accepted Indian government's proposal with Afghan Govt spox Sediq Sediqqi telling Wion, "We believe that it is an important call, and Afghan government welcomes it and looking forward to working with all SAARC members."
Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry called Modi's proposal on joint SAARC strategy on coronavirus "timely", adding, "united we stand, Divided we fall".
Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Momen while confirming Dhaka's representation, said, "its a good proposal".
Pakistan will be represented by Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister (SAPM) on health Dr Zafar Mirza.
In a tweet, spokesperson of Pakistani Foreign Ministry Aisha Farooqui said, "The threat of #COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional level. We have communicated that SAPM on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue."
This has been conveyed to the Indian side through diplomatic channels as well.
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