SAARC: Sushma leaves before Pak foreign minister's speech

In the meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations held on Thursday on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj left for her next engagement soon after delivering her speech, without listening to the her Pakistani counterpart speak.

At the informal luncheon also the two leaders snubbed exchange of pleasantries or greetings.

As per the information received Afghanistan foreign minister was the first person to leave the meeting after his speech.

In her speech Swaraj emphasised to SAARC countries that an environment of peace and security in South Asia is essential for cooperation and economic development, but Pakistan accused India of obstructing the region's progress and prosperity.

She said the number of incidents endangering South Asia is on the rise and terrorism remains the single-largest threat to peace and stability in the geopolitical region, and the world.

"It is necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination, and end the ecosystem of its support," she said according to sources.

Swaraj left the SAARC meeting early.