PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the SAARC Summit. (Associated Press)
The frostiness of the ties between India and Pakistan was visible in the Nepalese capital at the 18th SAARC summit's inaugural session on Wednesday.
First, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif totally ignored his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after entering the podium to take his seat. He did not look at Mr Modi and proceeded straight to his seat.
When it was time for Mr Sharif's address and other leaders greeted him with applause, PM Modi was seen busy reading a booklet on SAARC.
After the inaugural session of the summit was over, all attending heads of states and governments were asked to assemble at a holding room inside the main venue, National City Hall, in the heart of Kathmandu.
But as everyone rose to move towards the holding room, Mr Koirala and Mr Modi were seen engaged in conversation on the podium. After a few minutes, they departed for the holding room, where the Indian and Pakistani leaders did not have a chance to meet.
Both leaders are staying under the same roof at Hotel Soaltee. Both have met other delegates, but sources said were yet to greet each other.