NEW DELHI, April 3: In a significant move to promote regional inter-connectivity, India on Tuesday announced unilateral liberalisation of visas and duty free access to the country before the end of 2007 to South Asian LDCs.

This was announced by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in his opening statement at the inaugural session of the 14th Saarc Summit being held here.

Advocating full regional connectivity, the Indian premier as an immediate step announced a unilateral liberalisation of visas for students, teachers, professors, journalists and patients from Saarc member states.

He announced that India would open its markets to its South Asian neighbours who are LDCs without insisting on reciprocity.

“We will allow zero-duty access to India before the end of this year to our South Asian neighbours who are LDCs and further reduce the sensitive list in respect of these countries,” he declared.

During an interaction with media later, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz welcomed the Indian announcement, terming it a positive move.

Dr Manmohan Singh also proposed immediate linking of capitals of all Saarc member states through direct flights.

While articulating his vision about Saarc, he said: “I have a compelling vision of an inclusive, plural and rapidly developing South Asia playing its role in an interdependent world’s economic development and peaceful evolution.

Referring to the high level presence of observers from outside the region, he noted: “In coming years, Saarc will learn to work with our partners from outside the region evolving ways of involving them in our progress.”

He said the agreement to establish a South Asia University, as a world-class institution of learning, would be an important symbol of the connectivity of ideas.

The Indian prime minister also called for implementation of commitments and pledges to root out terrorism “in a meaningful and sincere manner” to create an atmosphere in which the Saarc objectives can be achieved.

— Q.A.