The Southasia Peace Network (Sapan) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to “call” for a meeting of the SAARC nations, including Pakistan.

The last SAARC meeting was held in 2015. The following year was Pakistan’s turn to host the event, however, it was called off after New Delhi pulled out in protest against the terror attack in Uri. Subsequently, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka also refused to participate in the summit, citing the absence of a conducive environment for dialogue.

Delhi has since rejected calls by Pakistan for India to attend the meeting virtually, if required. SAARC summits are held only when there is a consensus among all its members.

The letter from Sapan, headed by US-based Pakistani journalist Beena Sarwar, said: “We also commend your initiative in inviting the leaders of neighbouring SAARC countries to join the people of India in felicitating the new government and Parliament during the oath of office ceremony. However, we feel the absence of an invite to Pakistan. In the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family — we hope you will revise your stand and extend a hand of friendship to all SAARC countries, including Pakistan.”

The group said: “If former Indian Prime Minister, late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, had not gone to Islamabad for the 1988 SAARC summit, many critical issues between India and Pakistan would have remained unresolved during the Cold War. Similarly, the aftermath of the Kargil War and the events of 9/11 necessitated dialogue.”

It told the PM: “We respectfully urge you to call a formal SAARC summit, bringing together the heads of all nations, including Pakistan, to work out a roadmap for peace and good relations in this auspicious period of Amrit Kaal.”