India on Tuesday reiterated its support for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia but said such efforts require goodwill from all member countries. Responding to calls for reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was well known which country and what activities had stalled the regional grouping.

The remarks came after Maldives urged SAARC member states to resume dialogue and revive the organisation, which has remained largely inactive in recent years.

India Reiterates Support for Regional Cooperation

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently worked to strengthen regional cooperation over the past several decades.

“When it comes to regional cooperation, India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades now. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are actually stymying SAARC… After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal said.

While he did not name any country, India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism has prevented meaningful engagement between the two neighbours.

SAARC comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Maldives Calls for Revival of SAARC

The MEA’s response followed an appeal by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for member nations to revive the regional bloc through dialogue.

Speaking at the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, Muizzu acknowledged the current deadlock within SAARC and urged member countries to return to the negotiating table in the interest of regional peace and cooperation.

He also said the Maldives was willing to act as a mediator to help resolve differences among member states.

During his address, attended by diplomats representing 43 countries and international organisations, Muizzu also emphasised the importance of resolving international disputes through peaceful dialogue.

Bangladesh Also Pushes for Greater Cooperation

Earlier this month, Bangladesh also expressed support for strengthening regional cooperation within South Asia and called for efforts to bridge the gap between SAARC’s potential and its actual performance.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the organisation required stronger implementation mechanisms, greater financial capacity, more effective specialised institutions and improved follow-up on decisions.

She also said Bangladesh was consulting other SAARC member states on convening a meeting of senior officials and exploring the possibility of holding a special session of the Council of Ministers.

MEA Updates on Border Trade, Nepal Visit

During the same media briefing, Jaiswal also provided an update on India-China border trade, stating that both countries had agreed in August 2025 to resume trade through the designated border trading points of Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass.

He said the necessary steps to operationalise the agreement are currently being taken.

Responding to another question, the MEA spokesperson confirmed that an invitation has been extended to Nepal’s Prime Minister to visit India.

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