Relevance : GS Paper II
SAARC still has the potential to become a platform for South Asian interests.
Why has this issue cropped up?
Government has invited leaders of neighboring countries for swearing-in ceremony.
The difference from 2014
In 2014 leaders of SAARC were invited while in 2019 leaders of BIMSTEC were invited.
Significance of SAARC
- This is a naturally made geographical identity.
- There is a cultural, linguistic, religious and culinary affinity.
- It has developed common cause in several fields such as agriculture, education, health, climate change, etc.
Failure of SAARC
SAARC’s biggest failure has been mainly due to India-Pakistan tensions, it has been five years since the last summit in Kathmandu.
SAARC Vs BIMSTEC
- To extrapolate that BIMSTEC has replaced SAARC is illogical.
- BIMSTEC is not moored in the identity of the nations that are members.
- BIMSTEC nations have held summits just four times in 22 years.
India’s SAARC aversion
- Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is clearly the biggest stumbling block.
- Another reason is the logjam because of Pakistan’s opposition to connectivity projects.
Is India’s aversion to SAARC justified?
- India’s stand on terror doesn’t extend to other organizations such as the SCO.
- Agreements have not made progress in other groupings such as BBIN either.
Conclusion
In a region increasingly targeted by Chinese investment and loans, SAARC could be a common platform to demand more sustainable alternatives for development.
