SAARC retreat: PM Narendra Modi, Sharif shake hands

Loud applause. Laughter. Handshake. @IndianExpress @18thsaarc pic.twitter.com/oqJyn03lAV

— Shubhajit Roy (@ShubhajitRoy) November 27, 2014

This came even as India ruled out any talks between Modi and Sharif on the sidelines of the 18th SAARC summit in Kathmandu.

Retreating together. SAARC leaders and aides at Retreat in Dhulikhel. pic.twitter.com/RvUARJyD9D

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries when they met for the first time after arriving here,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin informed. Sources said all the leaders met in informal settings and talked about various regional issues. There was no discussion on bilateral issues, they said. The SAARC Foreign Ministers also had an interaction in informal settings.

SAARC leaders at Retreat in Dhulikel. pic.twitter.com/PV69qwCqcE

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

SAARC retreats are ideally organised outside the summit venue in resorts and hotels where the leaders can relax and discuss the bilateral and multilateral agendas.

It also provides an opportunity to quell disagreements on unresolved issues.

Good bye Dhulikhel. PM @narendramodi leaving SAARC retreat. pic.twitter.com/FRsfOBPiwz

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

On Wednesday, at the 18th SAARC Summit, Modi and Sharif did not interact at all even though they were together at the dais for the ceremony which lasted for nearly three hours. Prime Minister Modi had on Wednesday held bilateral talks with all Heads of Government and State attending the 18th SAARC Summit here with Sharif the only conspicuous exemption.

The flying bird is here. Time to leave soon. pic.twitter.com/pqGDr1SgPu

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

Syed Akbaruddin had on Wednesday said that there won’t be any structured meeting between India and Pakistan as no request in this regard was made by the neighbouring country.

Friendship as old as the hills. PM @narendramodi & Prez @ashrafghani in conversation. pic.twitter.com/yMENeMbZEB

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

The exchange of pleasantries between the two leaders came a day after Modi, during his address at the SAARC summit, raised the issue of 26/11 attacks and terrorism in the presence of Sharif.

All vegetarian fare. For those asking here is what the SAARC leaders are having for lunch at the Retreat. pic.twitter.com/jqgvZGhKG7

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

He had said, “Today, as we remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the endless pain of lost lives.”

Bound together in the lap of the Himalayas. PM @narendramodi and PM Sushil Koirala in conversation. pic.twitter.com/bNMHvK8NHN

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2014

India and Pakistan have been involved in a war of words after New Delhi cancelled the Foreign Secretary-level meeting in August after Pakistan’s envoy in India met Kashmiri separatists ahead of the talks.

(With PTI inputs)