NEW DELHI: India pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit to be held in Islamabad in November, automatically forcing its postponement and ratcheting up the pressure on Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Uri that led to the death of 18 soldiers.The move is aimed at undermining Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ’s stature and marks his country’s isolation in the region with other member nations rallying in support of India.“In the prevailing circumstances, the government of India is unable to participate in the proposed summit in Islamabad,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said. “We also understand that some other Saarc member states have conveyed their reservations about attending the Islamabad summit in November 2016.”He didn’t name the countries but ET gathered that Afghanistan and Bangladesh, two other members that have accused Pakistan of interfering in their internal matters, have backed India’s decision to pull out of the summit, which was to be held November 9-10. Bhutan has also extended support, officials said.The Pakistan Foreign Office said late on Tuesday that it hadn’t received any official communication but added that the Indian announcement was “unfortunate”. “Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional cooperation,” it said. India also handed over evidence to Pakistan on Tuesday of direct involvement of Pak-based terrorists in the Uri attack.

Source: Economic Times September 27, 2016 16:05 UTC