NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- South Asian nations are split on the inclusion of Afghanistan in a regional bloc with Bangladesh denying there was consensus on the issue.
"There is no consensus over including Afghanistan because a few countries have expressed reservations," said A.H.M. Mohiruzzaman, foreign secretary of Bangladesh, The Hindustan Times newspaper reported Friday.
He said Afghanistan had not yet formally applied for membership to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. India and Pakistan both support Afghanistan's bid.
"In the next summit in India, Afghanistan will surely be included," said E. Ahmed, Indian junior Foreign Minister.
Reports from Dhaka said some members opposed Afghanistan's inclusion in the meeting of SAARC foreign ministers Thursday.
"To my knowledge, there have not been any objections. Some modalities need to be worked out in order to include the country," said Shayam Saran, India's foreign secretary.
Reports said the differences were a result of power games played at all SAARC summits. India's stature as the big brother of the region could have led other countries to oppose the inclusion of a pro-India country, analysts said.
SAARC includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
