MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on The Handshake: "In the retreat, the atmosphere was very comfortable, pleasant courtesies were exchanged.

"India is for peaceful and co-operative relations with Pakistan. If today's interaction leads to that we will welcome it. We go back very satisfied with the outcome of this summit.

"SAARC is not just about India and Pakistan, but about all the neighbours in South Asia. No proposal on expansion of SAARC membership, proposal on table was to consider the observers as dialogue partners," he said.