Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was envisioned as a cornerstone of regional cooperation in South Asia, established in 1985. However, its potential has been hampered by persistent political differences, particularly between India and Pakistan. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), founded in 1997, has emerged as a more promising alternative, focusing on practical cooperation in areas like connectivity, trade, and security. The question of whether BIMSTEC is a ‘parallel organization’ to SAARC necessitates a detailed examination of their respective strengths, weaknesses, and India’s strategic interests.
Similarities between SAARC and BIMSTEC
Both SAARC and BIMSTEC are regional organizations aiming to foster cooperation among South Asian and Southeast Asian nations. They share some common objectives:
- Economic Cooperation: Both organizations promote trade, investment, and economic integration among member states.
- Poverty Alleviation: Both aim to address poverty and improve the socio-economic conditions of their populations.
- Security Cooperation: Both platforms provide avenues for discussing and addressing common security challenges, though the extent differs.
Dissimilarities between SAARC and BIMSTEC
Despite the shared goals, significant differences exist between the two organizations:
| Feature | SAARC | BIMSTEC |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
| Focus Areas | Broad range of issues, often hampered by political disputes. | Specific sectors: Connectivity, Counter-Terrorism, Disaster Management, Energy, Trade, Tourism. |
| Decision Making | Consensus-based, often leading to delays and inaction. | More pragmatic approach, with a focus on implementable projects. |
| Political Dynamics | Dominated by India-Pakistan rivalry, hindering progress. | Less politically sensitive, with a greater emphasis on economic and technical cooperation. |
BIMSTEC and Indian Foreign Policy Objectives
BIMSTEC aligns closely with several key objectives of Indian foreign policy:
- ‘Neighborhood First’ Policy: BIMSTEC prioritizes cooperation with India’s immediate neighbors, strengthening regional stability and fostering economic ties.
- Act East Policy: BIMSTEC provides a platform for India to enhance its engagement with Southeast Asia, promoting connectivity and trade. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, linking India with Myanmar, exemplifies this.
- Countering China’s Influence: BIMSTEC offers an alternative framework for regional cooperation, reducing the dependence on China-led initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India actively promotes BIMSTEC as a rules-based and transparent platform.
- Maritime Security: Given the Bay of Bengal’s strategic importance, BIMSTEC facilitates cooperation on maritime security, including combating piracy and terrorism.
- Regional Connectivity: BIMSTEC’s Master Plan for Connectivity focuses on infrastructure development, enhancing trade and transport links within the region.
The BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA), signed in 2015, aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transport, boosting trade and economic integration. However, ratification by all member states is still pending.
While BIMSTEC isn’t explicitly designed to *replace* SAARC, its functional approach and reduced political baggage have positioned it as a more viable platform for regional cooperation, particularly for India.
Conclusion
BIMSTEC, while not a direct replacement for SAARC, has emerged as a more effective and pragmatic platform for regional cooperation, particularly for India. Its focus on specific sectors, coupled with a less politically charged environment, allows for greater progress on practical initiatives. By prioritizing its ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, India strategically utilizes BIMSTEC to enhance regional connectivity, counter China’s influence, and promote maritime security. The future success of BIMSTEC hinges on sustained political will and effective implementation of its ambitious plans.
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.