Abstract
SAARC has an ambitious charter for regional cooperation and regional integration with an
emphasis on trade and economic relations, socio-economic development, eradication of poverty
free trade zone, education, health care, countering terrorism, and disaster management. SAARC
has also established institutional infrastructure to pursue cooperation in the areas of mutual
interest.
However, the performance of SAARC has been below expectation. Bilateral and regional
trade is limited and cooperation in other areas is either poor or negligent. The major reason for
the poor performance of SAARC is geographic imbalance in terms of size, population economic,
resources, industrialization and military power. It is an India centric region and India has often
used its advantages to keep the smaller states of the region under diplomatic and military power.
Consequently a strong element of mutual distrust is noticeable in SAARC meetings and in their
bilateral interaction.
On more than one occasion SAARC summit conference had to be postponed because India
refused to participate in the conference if it is held in Pakistan. Despite the difficulties of
SAARC, it has the potential to become an active and result-producing regional organization.
India needs to be magnimous towards other states. India and Pakistan should resolve their
bilateral problems so that they participate in SAARC without reservation. If India Pakistan issues
are resolved or managed properly, SAARC can become a more active organization. This will
benefit all people and governments of SAARC area.
Abdul Majid . (2018) SAARC Prospects and Challenges, South Asian Studies, Volume 33, Issue 1.
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