India not to participate in SAARC Summit in Islamabad
The MEA issued a statement on Tuesday which said: "In response to a question, the Official Spokesperson stated that India has conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of Member States by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016."
"India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in an atmosphere free of terror," read the statement.
Explaining India's position the country said it will not participate in the summit.
"In the prevailing circumstances, the Government of India is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad," read the statement.
"We also understand that some other SAARC Member States have also conveyed their reservation about attending the Islamabad Summit in November 2016,"the statement said.
India witnessed a major militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri town on Sept 18 which left 18 soldiers martyred.
India has also launched a campaign against Pakistan at the United Nations' platforms for aiding and abetting terrorism.
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