(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: SAARC: Fighting Corona Together

Topic: SAARC: Fighting Corona Together

Guest:

Ashok Sajjanhar, (Former Diplomat)
Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, (Foreign Affairs Editor, Hindustan Times)
Rajendra Harshe, (Foreign Affairs Expert)

Topic Description:

Pakistan has said it will participate in a video conference of SAARC member countries proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 5,000 people globally. Prime Minister Modi reached out to the eight-member regional grouping on Friday and pitched for a video conference among the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to chalk out a strong strategy to combat coronavirus outbreak. Pakistan responded positively to PM Modi's proposal, saying it was ready to participate in the conference, acknowledging that coordinated efforts were needed to minimise the threat posed by the deadly coronavirus. In a series of tweets, the PM said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet." PM Modi's suggestion was backed by all member states of SAARC.