More articles by

Rekha Dixit
Rekha Dixit

INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

With focus on terror, Heart of Asia meet begins in Amritsar

PTI12_3_2016_000212b Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani at Golden temple on the eve of the Heart of Asia Conference, in Amritsar | PTI

The Golden City of Amritsar was transformed into an international hotspot on December 3 as delegations from several countries began trooping in for the Heart of Asia conference. 

Prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in the evening, and received co-chair of the conference, Afghanisatan President Ashraf Ghani. Modi later visited the temple before hosting a dinner for delegates from the participating countries, supporting countries and supporting international organisations. 

The surprise arrival, however, was that of Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaz Aziz, one day ahead of his scheduled arrival. The move caused much speculation, with many observers noting that Pakistan has been isolated and is feeling the pinch. Afghanisatan ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali had, without actually naming Pakistan, recently noted that terror couldn't be tackled without the participation of the country which was exporting terror. 

The recent attack on the army base at Nagrota, which claimed seven lives, has put the spotlight on Pakistan at this international event, which 40 nations are participating in. Given that the Heart of Asia meet is all about helping reconstruct Afghanistan economically and security-wise, the shadow of continuous terror in the subcontinent, all pointing towards Pakistan, has become the heart of the conference.   

Amritsaris, however, aren't quite bothered with the nuances of the agenda. For them, hosting a meet of this scale is more important. The bazaars are smiling as delegates drop in to pick up a piece of phulkari embroidery, jootis or sample the myriad flavours of this city. 

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Topics : #Heart of Asia