Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985 with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, aimed to promote peace, stability, amity and progress in the region. Envisioned as a cornerstone of regional integration, SAARC boasts eight member states – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – and a comprehensive framework for cooperation spanning various sectors. However, despite decades of existence, numerous agreements, and a permanent secretariat in Kathmandu, SAARC has largely failed to achieve its potential as a meaningful regional grouping, remaining largely symbolic and plagued by persistent challenges.
Historical Context and Institutional Framework
SAARC was conceived as a response to regional geopolitical realities and a desire for collective self-reliance. Its core principles, enshrined in the SAARC Charter, include sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful settlement of disputes. The organization operates through summits, ministerial meetings, and technical committees, focusing on areas like poverty alleviation, trade, transportation, energy, and environmental protection. A key feature is the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), established in 2008 to fund regional projects.
Reasons for Limited Success: Political Challenges
The primary impediment to SAARC’s effectiveness lies in the deep-seated political mistrust and strained bilateral relations among its member states, particularly between India and Pakistan.
- Cross-border Terrorism: Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism in India has consistently hampered cooperation and led to disruptions in SAARC summits, most notably the cancellation of the 2016 Islamabad summit following the Uri attack.
- India’s Dominance: Concerns about India’s size and economic and military dominance often lead to resistance from smaller member states, hindering consensus-building.
- National Interests over Regional Cooperation: Member states often prioritize their national interests over regional objectives, leading to a lack of commitment to collective action.
- Political Instability: Frequent political changes and internal conflicts within member states divert attention and resources away from regional cooperation. Afghanistan’s ongoing instability is a prime example.
Economic and Trade Barriers
Despite aspirations for economic integration, SAARC has struggled to create a truly free trade area. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), implemented in 2006, has faced numerous obstacles:
- Non-Tariff Barriers: Significant non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs procedures, bureaucratic delays, and restrictive rules of origin, continue to impede trade.
- Sensitive Lists: Member states maintain extensive “sensitive lists” of products excluded from tariff concessions, limiting the scope of trade liberalization.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Poor infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks and energy supplies, hinders regional connectivity and trade.
- Imbalance in Trade: Significant trade imbalances between member states create resentment and hinder the development of mutually beneficial economic relationships.
Security Concerns and External Influences
Security concerns, beyond terrorism, also contribute to SAARC’s limitations.
- Maritime Security: Disputes over maritime boundaries and concerns about piracy pose challenges to regional security cooperation.
- Water Disputes: Sharing of river waters, particularly the Indus River between India and Pakistan, remains a contentious issue.
- External Interference: The involvement of external powers in the region, seeking to advance their own strategic interests, can exacerbate existing tensions and undermine regional cooperation. China’s growing influence in South Asia is a relevant factor.
Institutional Weaknesses
SAARC’s institutional framework also suffers from certain weaknesses:
- Slow Decision-Making: The consensus-based decision-making process often leads to delays and compromises that dilute the effectiveness of initiatives.
- Limited Funding: The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) has limited resources and struggles to finance large-scale regional projects.
- Weak Implementation: Agreements often lack effective implementation mechanisms and monitoring systems.
| Area of Cooperation | Progress |
|---|---|
| Trade Liberalization (SAFTA) | Limited due to non-tariff barriers and sensitive lists |
| Poverty Alleviation | Some progress through targeted programs, but overall impact limited |
| Disaster Management | Relatively successful in coordinating responses to natural disasters |
| Cultural Exchange | Significant cultural exchange programs, fostering people-to-people contact |
Conclusion
Despite its noble objectives and institutional framework, SAARC has fallen short of its potential due to persistent political mistrust, economic barriers, security concerns, and institutional weaknesses. While areas like disaster management and cultural exchange have seen some success, the organization remains largely symbolic. Revitalizing SAARC requires a fundamental shift in mindset, prioritizing regional cooperation over narrow national interests. Alternatively, exploring alternative models of regional cooperation, potentially involving a more flexible and issue-specific approach, may be necessary to unlock the region’s vast potential. The future of regional cooperation in South Asia hinges on building trust, fostering inclusivity, and addressing the underlying causes of conflict and instability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.