Muizzu’s remarks came as Islamabad finally opened the door for 20 MoUs after a decade of diplomatic silence. The agreement covers defence, maritime security and information‑sharing, signalling a fresh push for regional integration.
In a statement in front of the Pakistani flag, Muizzu said, "The Maldives stands ready to consult with member states on resuming SAARC’s work. Through sustained dialogue, trust and understanding, we can strengthen cooperation within SAARC." He added that the Maldives would act as a mediator between India and Pakistan if needed.
India’s foreign ministry responded sharply. Measurings spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for decades. The summit can only happen if the environment is free of terror and Pakistan must create that atmosphere." He blamed Pakistan for blocking the initiative.
The last SAARC leaders’ summit was held in Nepal in 2014, and the 2016 meeting in Islamabad was postponed after the Uri attack. With the MoU deal signed, Islamabad may now pressure Pakistan to address security concerns, while Muizzu’s call could prompt an early summit if Pakistan complies.