Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for improved economic partnerships and better infrastructure linkages with his South Asian neighbours while stressing on areas of concern such as infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan and plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

In his bilateral meetings with heads of SAARC countries on Tuesday, Modi shared his vision for the region built on partnerships for development and mutual prosperity, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said in a press briefing. Stressing on the need to improve road and rail linkages connecting SAARC countries, the Indian PM discussed sub-regional connectivity with the Premiers of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan.

Modi raised the tough issues of dealing with terrorism in Pakistan and poor treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka with his two counterparts, but steered clear of linking these with strengthening of economic ties with the neighbours.

Acknowledging Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai’s efforts and assistance provided by the Afghan forces in repelling the attack on the Indian consulate last week, the Prime Minister said it had strengthened India’s resolve to work together with Afghanistan.

India was committed to the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and its interest in seeing a prosperous, independent and sovereign Afghanistan, Modi said.

Expressing his “earnest wish” to visit Nepal this year, Modi praised the political progress achieved and expressed hopes that things stayed on track in the country. In his bilateral meeting with Mauritius, Modi stressed on the need for building partnership in maritime security and cooperating in renewable energy.

While Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was not present due to her prior engagements, Modi told her representative that India was prepared to work together in all areas of mutual interest.

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