Friday, April 29 2005 12:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India has stressed its keenness to hold the 13th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Dhaka at an early date, Government told the Rajya Sabha yesterday (Apr 28, 2005).

Pakistan, as chairman of the SAARC, is required to initiate consultations with the hosts Bangladesh and other member countries for identifying fresh dates for the Summit, which are mutually convenient to all members, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in a written reply.

He said India has reiterated its continuing and consistent commitment to the SAARC process and to increased regional economic cooperation among member States.

India is, however, of the view that it is only in an environment free from political turmoil and violence that a Summit would yield the desired outcome, the Minister said.