Expert believes SAARC Summit in Nepal will focus on peace, prosperity in South Asia

As Nepal gears up to host the 18th SAARC Summit, experts in India believe that regional unity and security will remain the main focus.

Experts are of the opinion that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will play a pivotal role in strengthening the regional powers for economic prosperity and security.

"Prime Minister Modi began his oath-taking ceremony by inviting SAARC leaders in June this year. And in his 15th August address at the Lal Qila, he also said that let us work together for poverty alleviation in the SAARC region. And then again during his meeting with SAARC leaders, he also discussed with Sri Lankan President, Bangladesh Prime Minister and Nepal Prime Minister how to make this SAARC more stronger economically, more vibrant and how to integrate this region more successfully," said Nihar Nayak, a senior research fellow at Institute of Defense Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

"This is the big opportunity for all these countries because when they last time visited India during the oath-taking ceremony, they all were very happy and they think that India has got a very strong government and the policy is very clear. The Government of India is trying to emerge as the largest economic power. So, they said that they will try to take benefit from that," he added.

Nepal will be hosting the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu on November 26 and 27.

The SAARC policies aim to promote welfare economics, collective self-reliance among the countries in South Asia, and to accelerate socio-economic development in the region.

India has taken proactive initiative for economic development, peace and prosperity, and cooperation among the neighbouring countries.

India has agreed to provide all logistical and other support to make the upcoming summit a successful one.