India has come under sharp criticism for conspiring to exclude Pakistan from the upcoming 66th SAARC Literature Festival, with analysts describing the move as part of New Delhi’s continued attempt to politicize regional platforms and weaken the spirit of South Asian cooperation.
Observers said that the BJP-led Modi regime has been systematically using cultural and diplomatic initiatives to marginalize Pakistan and boast itself as the uncontested regional leader. They said India’s exclusionary approach contradicts the very principles of SAARC, which was established to foster understanding and collaboration among member states.
Analysts maintained that by barring Pakistan from such platforms, India seeks to erase voices that question its oppressive policies, particularly those related to occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “The Modi regime has reduced SAARC’s essence of unity to a hollow slogan while promoting its Hindutva-driven political narrative through selective inclusion,” one analyst remarked.
They further noted that New Delhi has stalled SAARC summits since 2016, replacing regional cooperation with political confrontation. “Even literary and cultural events are now being used to promote India’s propaganda rather than people-to-people dialogue,” observers added.
Meanwhile, according to Indian media reports, the 66th SAARC Literature Festival, organized by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL), will be held in New Delhi from November 9 to 12.
