About SAARC [UGC-NTA NET Political Science Notes]

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a very important organisation in India’s foreign policy framework. Established in 1985, SAARC aims to enhance regional cooperation among South Asian nations. Its formation marked step towards promoting economic and social development in the region.

Formation and Objectives

SAARC was formed on December 8, 1985, with the aim of encouraging regional cooperation. The founding members include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The headquarters is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Key Objectives

The primary objectives of SAARC include:

• Promoting regional integration and cooperation.
• Fostering economic and social development.
• Enhancing collective self-reliance.
• Addressing common challenges such as poverty, terrorism, and natural disasters.

Key Summits and Meetings

SAARC has held numerous summits and meetings to discuss regional issues. The first SAARC Summit took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1985. Since then, summits have been held approximately every one to two years.

Notable Summits

• First SAARC Summit – 1985, Dhaka.
• 18th SAARC Summit – 2014, Kathmandu.

Regular meetings of foreign ministers and sectoral ministers are also conducted to facilitate cooperation.

SAARC Bodies and Mechanisms

SAARC has established various bodies and mechanisms to support its objectives.

Key Bodies

• SAARC Secretariat – The administrative body led by a Secretary-General.
• SAARC Development Fund (SDF) – Established in 2010 to finance regional projects.
• SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism – Adopted in 1987 to combat terrorism.
• SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) – Initiated in 1993 to reduce tariffs among member states.

Major Initiatives and Programs

SAARC has launched several initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges.

Key Initiatives

• SAARC Food Bank – Aims to ensure food security in the region.
• SAARC Disaster Management Centre – Focuses on disaster risk reduction strategies.
• SAARC Youth Volunteer Program – Encourages youth involvement in regional issues.
• SAARC Cultural Festival – Promotes cultural exchange among member states.

Challenges Faced by SAARC

Despite its objectives, SAARC faces several challenges that hinder effective cooperation.

Major Challenges

• Political Tensions – Ongoing tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, affect collaboration.
• Lack of Economic Integration – Intra-regional trade remains low, accounting for only about 5% of total trade.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles – Slow decision-making processes impede progress.
• Non-Participation – Frequent absences of member states from summits disrupt continuity.

India’s Role in SAARC

India plays important role in SAARC, being the largest member in terms of both population and economy.

Key Contributions

• Leadership – India has been instrumental in initiating and promoting SAARC activities.
• Bilateral Relations – Engages in bilateral talks with other SAARC nations to resolve disputes.
• Development Assistance – Provides aid and support for various projects across member countries.

Recent Developments

In recent years, SAARC has faced challenges that have stalled its activities.

Current Trends

• Stalled Summits – No summits have been held since 2014 due to escalating political tensions.
• Focus on Bilateralism – A shift towards bilateral relations has occurred, overshadowing multilateral engagements.
• Emerging Issues – Climate change, terrorism, and economic recovery post-COVID-19 are pressing concerns.

Future Prospects

The future of SAARC hinges on revitalising its principles and addressing ongoing challenges.

Potential Areas for Cooperation

• Trade – Enhancing intra-regional trade can boost economic growth.
• Security – Collective security measures can address regional terrorism.
• Environment – Collaborative efforts are needed to combat climate change.

Role of Non-State Actors

Non-state actors, including NGOs and civil society, are increasingly involved in regional issues. Their participation can enhance dialogue and cooperation among member states. Thus, SAARC serves as a critical platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. Despite facing numerous challenges, the potential for collaboration remains . India’s leadership and commitment to SAARC principles are vital for its future success. The ability to address common challenges collectively will determine the effectiveness of SAARC in promoting peace and development in the region.