Kathmandu, Sept. 25 -- Amid uncertainty over its future direction, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member states have once again renewed their commitment to expediting the stalled regional process, a familiar refrain in subcontinental affairs. And they failed to reach any understanding when and how it can be reinvigorated and when the next summit will be held.

During a virtual meeting of SAARC foreign ministers, both India and Pakistan, whose rivalry has been the stumbling block for the regional bloc's progress, called for a connected and effective regional mechanism.

"India wants to build a connected, integrated, secure and prosperous South Asia," said India's Minister for External Affairs S Jaishanker.

He, however, a...