The Indian prime minister reached the eight-member regional grouping to chalk out a strategy to counter the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Within hours of PM Modi's invite, leaders of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives welcomed the move.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said it is a timely action for a healthier planet.
"Tomorrow at 5 pm, leaders of SAARC nations will discuss, via conferencing, a roadmap to fight the challenge of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus," Modi wrote on Twitter.
"I am confident that our coming together will lead to effective outcomes and benefit our citizens," he said.
Calling on the SAARC nations to set an example for the world, Modi had pitched for a video conference among its leaders to discuss about the strategy fight coronavirus, which has killed nearly 5,000 people globally.
Pakistan's response to the proposal came late in the night with the country's Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui saying the threat of COVID-19 required coordinated efforts at global and regional levels.
"We have communicated that SAPM (Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister) on Health (Zafar Mirza) will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue," she said.
(With PTI Inputs)