SAARC: Losing it's relevance and path towards revival

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, is an intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union comprising eight member states in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Unsurprisingly, SAARC has seemed to flounder, even though it is self-evident that cooperative, trustful, and harmonious relations between South Asian countries could make this region a truly dynamic engine of growth and global influence. The downfall of SAARC can be attributed to several factors. 

One of the most significant is its decision-making process, which requires unanimity. This system makes it easy for any one country to block decisions, thereby stalling progress. For instance, the long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to multiple deadlocks, impeding cooperative efforts. Furthermore, SAARC has struggled to prove its significance to the general populace, largely because it lacks a domestic constituency in the member states. The absence of grassroots support and interest has weakened the organisation’s ability to make tangible changes that resonate with the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

The three largest countries in the region—India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—bear a significant responsibility for SAARC’s failure to achieve its objectives. These nations are the most influential and economically significant members, and their collective leadership is crucial for the organisation’s success. However, their internal dynamics, rivalry, and differing political objectives have paralyzed SAARC.

The persistent India-Pakistan rivalry has been one of the most critical issues undermining SAARC's efficacy. The two nuclear-armed neighbours have fought multiple wars, and the unresolved Kashmir dispute remains a serious impediment to peaceful cooperation. The cross-border terrorism, mutual distrust, and failure to normalise trade relations have resulted in both countries blocking initiatives that would benefit the entire region. Pakistan, for instance, has refused to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India, as required under World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations, which has hindered economic cooperation between the two nations.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has its own set of grievances within SAARC, often feeling overshadowed by India’s dominant presence in the region. While it shares cultural and historical ties with its South Asian neighbours, the deep-rooted political differences within Bangladesh have often kept it from taking a more assertive leadership role in SAARC.

The remaining five SAARC member countries—Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka—find themselves marginalised due to their geographical, demographic, and economic limitations. Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan are landlocked countries, dependent on neighbouring states for access to trade routes and markets. Meanwhile, Maldives and Sri Lanka, being island nations, face their own unique economic challenges. These nations remain on the periphery of SAARC, often taking a backseat as the larger powers dominate discussions and decision-making processes.

Additionally, Afghanistan’s inclusion in SAARC has posed challenges, as its internal instability and conflict have prevented it from being a fully functional member. With Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and India’s involvement in the reconstruction efforts post-9/11, the geopolitical complexities have further complicated Afghanistan’s participation in SAARC initiatives.

Given this situation, India has understandably not been enthusiastic about SAARC. Bilateral cooperation such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative have been the alternative platforms for regional cooperation for India. Both platforms offer India a more focused and effective means of engaging with its neighbours without the hindrance of Pakistan’s presence.

BIMSTEC, established in 1997, includes countries around the Bay of Bengal, such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. This regional organisation has gained significant traction in recent years, largely because it excludes Pakistan, thereby reducing the likelihood of political deadlock. Similarly, the BBIN initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity and regional cooperation, has seen tangible progress, particularly in areas such as transportation, energy sharing, and trade.

Now, south asian cooperation will take off only when all its constituent countries regard their primary identity as south asian and if the focus of regional cooperation is on areas where the common interests of the member countries outweigh their differences. Whether it be environmental challenges, control of communicable diseases and pandemics, dealing with terrorism, countering drug smuggling and tackling the trafficking of women and children are potential areas of cooperation requiring urgent attention.

South Asia has a rich cultural and linguistic heritage, and fostering cooperation in areas such as education, arts, sports, and tourism can strengthen ties between the member countries. Soft diplomacy through cultural exchange programs and people-to-people contacts can build trust and reduce animosity among nations. Revitalising SAARC requires strong political will, a reformed decision-making process, and the collective effort of all member states to transcend their nationalistic agendas for the greater good of the region.