The buzz in the news, Nepal has extended an invitation to India’s Prime Minister to attend the Sagarmatha Sambad. This distinguished event is known for attracting numerous prestigious figures from around the globe, including leaders from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Consequently, the assembly provides a unique stage to possibly thaw the frozen relations between India and Pakistan.
A Brief on Sagarmatha Sambad
Sagarmatha Sambad is an initiative launched by the Government of Nepal with a vision to establish a permanent biennial international dialogue platform starting in 2020. Viewed as one of the largest diplomatic initiatives in Nepal’s recent chronicle, its foundation stone was laid in 2019 and is now headquartered in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Dubbed after the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), the dialogue symbolizes friendship and endorses the values of collective wellbeing and common good for mankind. This dialogue forum encourages participation from all stakeholders and deliberates on prominent issues on local, regional, and global scales, which are significant to humanity.
First Edition of Sagarmatha Sambad
Poised to take place in Kathmandu, the inaugural edition of the Sagarmatha Sambad is scheduled from 2nd to 4th April 2020. The theme selected for this edition is ‘Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity’.
All About SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, commonly known as SAARC, is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
| Country | Capital | Joined Year |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Kabul | 2007 |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 1985 |
| Bhutan | Thimphu | 1985 |
| India | New Delhi | 1985 |
| Maldives | Malé | 1985 |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 1985 |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | 1985 |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo; Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | 1985 |
India-Pakistan Relations
Key to the South Asian geopolitics, relations between India and Pakistan have seen a fair share of ups and downs over the years. The invitation extended by Nepal to India’s Prime Minister for the Sagarmatha Sambad might aid in breaking the ice between these two SAARC members. Given the diplomatic nature of the event, it provides an invaluable opportunity for conversation and possible reparation of strained relations.
