New Delhi: India is open to a suggestion of holding South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) summits on a regular basis in Kathmandu, where its secretariat is located, on the lines of United Nations but made it clear that any decision on this has to be through consensus of the seven-member grouping.

"Any decision in this regard has to be taken by consensus. We will support any move that will strengthen SAARC," Minister of State for External Affairs Digvijay Singh said.

Singh said no such proposal has formally come from any of the SAARC countries but the idea was put across by former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar during his recent visit.

It was felt this could be considered as there were difficulties in holding the summits on a rotational basis.

The summit proposed to be held earlier this month in Pakistan was deferred with Islamabad blaming India for not confirming its participation.

New Delhi has accused Pakistan of not taking positive strides on bolstering economic co-operation in SAARC, particularly on issues relating to SAPTA and SAFTA.

Observing that SAARC was established at the initiative of India, Singh said, "We are ready to play whatever role is needed to strengthen SAARC."

PTI