Leaders of SAARC countries are likely to review the connectivity agreements during retreat at Dhulikhel in Nepal today. Pakistan, on the opening day of the 18th SAARC summit in Kathmandu yesterday, stalled the inking of three SAARC connectivity agreements — motor vehicle, rail and power grid — on the pretext that it was yet to complete some processes. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said that this issue could be the major discussion point today. He said though India is disappointed being a SAARC nation but it is otherwise already pursuing its connectivity agenda with some SAARC members.

After hectic deliberations on various issues yesterday, the summit will conclude in Kathamandu today. The concluding session will be followed by the Kathmandu declaration. Our correspondent reports that in a short while from now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet former Prime Minister of Nepal Madhav Kumar Nepal and leaders of Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal.

Before the Concluding session of the 18th SAARC scheduled at 4.00 pm today, the heads of SAARC countries likely to have informal discussions during the Retreat Session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi already had structured meetings with heads of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives on various issues yesterday, however, there was no meeting with his Pakistan counterpart because of no formal request from the neighbouring country for it. Mr. Modi will also meet the President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav.