India to boycott SAARC Summit to be held in Islamabad

India will not take part in SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November this year. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that in the prevailing circumstances of continuous cross border terrorism, the country is unable to participate in the proposed Summit. 

In a statement, External Affairs Ministry said New Delhi has conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in internal affairs



of member states by one country created environment which is not conducive to successful holding of Summit. 

It, however, added that India remains steadfast in commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in an atmosphere free of terror. India's decision came in the wake of recent Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were martyred. Sources said Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also decided to boycott the summit.