India says no to expanded role of SAARC observers

Disagreeing with the idea of enhancing the role of observers or adding more members in the SAARC at this point of time, India has said the grouping needs to first deepen cooperation.

"We first need to deepen cooperation within SAARC, we need to enhance cooperation with observers, and increase interactions," said MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

In the Council of Ministers' meet today, Pakistan reportedly made suggestion and references during the deliberations that there should be greater role of Observers and also restriction on no new members should be lifted.

India said there were references made for enhanced role of Observers and lifting restriction, but these are policy statements and are declaratory in nature and did not get much support of majority of SAARC members at the conclusion of the meet.

China has also been lobbying hard through Nepalese politicians and its state run media for enhanced role in SAARC.