• It is unclear whether the Modi government will take forward the suggestion to reopen trade or extend aid as it has with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the past few months

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said if SAARC is not working , other regional organizations should be pursued , the Hindu reported.  
It is unclear whether the Modi government will take forward the suggestion to reopen trade or extend aid as it has with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the past few months, Dr. Jaishankar said at an event to launch an Asia Society policy institute on the importance of regionalism in South Asia. 

“Sometimes India as the biggest country has to step forward,” Mr. Jaishankar said in response to a question from Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda about energizing SAARC and BIMSTEC. “I would be a very strong votary of more regionalism, of India actually being more generous and more non reciprocal and more effective in what is building,” he added, saying that if SAARC was “not working”, other regional organisations should be pursued.