"The threat of COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional levels. We have communicated that SAPM on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of Saarc member countries on the issue," Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said in a tweet.
On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a proposal through a series of tweets, suggesting that the Saarc nations should devise a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus to ensure safety of the people of the member states.
"I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet," Modi tweeted.
In yet another tweet, the Indian prime minister stated, "Our planet is battling the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it". He added: "South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy."
A number of other leaders from the Saarc countries including Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sir Lanka also responded positively to Modi's proposal and expressed readiness to chalk out a joint strategy to deal with the spread of coronavirus in the region.