The significance of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in fostering regional unity and development has been underscored on its 36th Charter Day. Commemorated on 8th December each year, this day signifies the establishment of SAARC back in 1985 during the First SAARC Summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that for SAARC to realize its full potential, it must commit to an environment devoid of terror and violence.
India’s Standpoint
According to India, realizing the full potential of SAARC is contingent upon creating an atmosphere free from terror and violence. India’s ongoing concerns about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan appear to be a significant hurdle in its participation in the summit. Interestingly, both Pakistan and Nepal have requested for a speedy organization of the SAARC summit.
Moreover, India has emphasized the urgency for all SAARC nations to unite against forces supporting and fostering terrorism. In the same vein, India has shown commitment towards nurturing an integrated, secured, and prosperous South Asia, pledging support to the region’s economic, technological, cultural, and social progress.
In the spirit of collaboration, India cited the swift coordination amid SAARC countries in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic as a positive example. An Emergency Covid-19 Fund was established, with India’s initial contribution amounting to USD 10 million.
The Stagnation of SAARC
However, the operations of SAARC seem to have hit a standstill owing to the strained relations between India and Pakistan. Excluding a virtual meeting in March pertaining to the Covid-19 scenario, SAARC has been devoid of substantial engagements following India’s withdrawal from the Pakistan summit in 2016 post the Uri terror strike.
Regarding the SAARC member states, these are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of SAARC is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The primary goal of SAARC is to uplift the quality of life and welfare of South Asian citizens, propelling economic growth, among other objectives.
The Traditional SAARC Summits
Typically conducted biennially, the SAARC summits are hosted by the member nations in alphabetical sequence. The last summit took place in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2014, which saw India’s participation.
A Look Forward
The SAARC Charter embodies the shared vision and collective resolve of the region to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia through poverty elimination, acceleration of economic growth, and socio-cultural development.
The recent pandemic underscores the need for more regional cooperation than ever before. To rise above the adversity collectively, it is critical that member countries of SAARC unite their efforts and cooperate more effectively.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024