Written By: Anu Chauhan
SAARC emblem and flags. Source: elections.in
Introduction
The South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with ambitious goals for South Asian cooperation among its eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC's main purpose is to promote economic and regional integration, but whether it has achieved this goal remains unclear. Even after three decades of its existence, SAARC’s performance has been less than satisfactory and its role in strengthening regional cooperation is questionable. SAARC has limited effectiveness due to a lack of consensus among its members, which slows progress and makes implementing decisions challenging. This has led to a lack of credibility in the organization. Several factors are hindering the progress of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The most significant one is the complex and historically challenging relationship between India and Pakistan, and the unresolved border and maritime issues between countries whether it is Indo-Pak or Indo-Bangladesh water issues. There also exists a trust deficit among member countries, with India being perceived as a big brother in terms of size, population, and economic power. Additionally, political instability in member states such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka has contributed to the problem. Terrorism cannot be ignored, as it is the primary factor blocking the evolution of SAARC. The SAARC Charter's Unanimity Clause, which requires all member states to agree unanimously on decisions made at all levels of the organization, is the primary contributing factor to its lag in progress. From 1985 to 2014, SAARC held regular summits every year; however, no summits have been held since 2014 reason being the labyrinth relations of India and Pakistan.
Importance of SAARC
Suhasini Haidar wrote an article in The Hindu titled "Reclaiming SAARC from the ashes of 2020" which emphasizes the importance of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by highlighting the 'China Factor' and its aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The article also highlighted how through SAARC, revival is crucial to counter the COVID-19 pandemic together to reduce dependency on Western countries.1 (Haidar). SAARC has significant importance in dealing with the challenge posed by China, not only for India but also for neighboring countries.
China's investments and infrastructure projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) have raised concerns for India. To counter China's influence, India needs to lead the South Asian platform and unify the countries in the region. China has already established economic ties with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, creating a debt trap for these nations. In addition to that, SAARC is also relevant for India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and “Act East Policy”. SAARC is a game-changer for India’s Act East Policy Linking South Asian and Southeast Asian economies through SAARC will boost prosperity in India, especially in the service sector.2 (Byju's 4). SAARC is not strategically important to India, but it provides mutual trust and peace within the region and promotes stability.
In the current global scenario, where countries are increasingly coming together to form regional organizations and trade blocs, India cannot afford to remain isolated and fragmented. India must identify its role and potential in the regional context and integrate itself into the larger picture. India has the potential to attain significant economic benefits through regional integration. In addition to this, India can also play an important role in contributing towards the shared prosperity and stability of the entire region. To achieve this, India's participation in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is crucial. By actively engaging in SAARC, India can position itself as a global leader and play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the region. “The 21st century belongs to Asia and belongs to all,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned while addressing the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit in Indonesia. (News 18). SAARC had a great role to play in this by fostering cooperation and tackling collective challenges among its member states. SAARC can strengthen economic integration by eliminating trade barriers that can boost the economy.
SAARC should step in to mediate and facilitate any issues between its member countries, such as the recent dispute between the Maldives and India. By playing a neutral role and opening a dialogue session, SAARC can help improve relations between the two nations. SAARC has the potential to be a constructive force by offering a platform for dialogue, fostering regional security cooperation, and promoting economic interdependence between the Maldives and India.
Conclusion
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) holds immense potential as a platform for promoting integration, cooperation, and development among the countries of the region. With its focus on economic, social, and cultural collaboration, SAARC can create a more prosperous and interconnected South Asia. As we move further into the 21st century, SAARC is poised to play an increasingly active role in shaping the future of the region by fostering greater cooperation, promoting peace and stability, and addressing shared challenges. SAARC plays a crucial role in promoting cultural exchanges, strengthening people-to-people contacts, and preserving regional heritage, which fosters understanding, harmony, and a sense of South Asian identity.
Reference
Haidar, Suhasini. “Reclaiming SAARC from the ashes of 2020. Byjus, editor. “South Asian Association for Rgeional Cooperation.”
News 18, editor. “"21 st century belongs to Asia.”
The opinions expressed and suggestions made in the article belong solely to the author themselves. Diplomania and O.P. Jindal Global University do not endorse the same.
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