Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar completed his SAARC Yatra

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar completed his SAARC Yatra of four nations on 4 March 2015. His SAARC Yatra started on 1 March 2015 and ended on 4 March 2015. He undertook the SAARC Yatra with an aim to firm up India’s ties with members of the grouping while reviewing regional and bilateral cooperation.

During the Yatra, he visited four countries namely Afghanistan on 4 March 2015, Pakistan on 3 March 2015, Bangladesh on 2 March 2014 and Bhutan on 1 March 2015.

Jaishankar visit to Afghanistan: During the visit, he called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah and held extensive talks focusing on India's development projects and the security situation in the war-torn country. Afghan leaders welcomed India being partner of choice for Afghanistan and briefed the Foreign Secretary Jaishankar about their views on India's involvement in furthering the cause of stability and security in the country.

Jaishankar visit to Pakistan: During the visit, he held Foreign Secretary level talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Chaudhary, which was cancelled in July 2015. He also met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz. He handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif.

Jaishankar visit to Bangladesh: During the visit, Jaishankar met with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. He also met with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque. He held foreign secretary level talks in Dhaka.

Jaishankar visit to Bhutan: During the visit, he met with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and held discussions on SAARC co-operation and bilateral ties. He also met with the 4th King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck.