In the 20th century, the
religious and ethnic difference had split the South Asia into many different
states that brought changes in this region. In terms of population and
geographical prominence, the importance of this region cannot be abnegated. Two
nuclear states (Pakistan, India) and almost 1.5 billion people of the world’s
population of this region increase the importance of this area. So, it was a
demand for a joint converged platform for an economic development and
cooperation between the member states of this region.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) came into being in
1985 as an economic and political organization, which have eight member states,
i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, and
Bhutan. The underlying idea behind the SAARC was to promote peace, accelerate
economic stability, cultural growth, social advancement, and better the tone of
aliveness.
In recent years, some countries like China and Iran show their concern over the
membership in SAARC. Due to the significant importance of this region, many
European states are now the observer of this organization.
Despite the relationship between India and Pakistan, it is still a useful tool
for smaller countries to promote understanding and cooperation at the bilateral
level. Since 1985 SAARC has evolved slowly but continuously both in terms of
institutions and programs.
But today this region is facing many issues like terrorism, poverty, deprivation
of food, drug trafficking, extremism, and economic crisis. These core issues
cannot be resolved at bilateral level. It is significant to have a joint effort
and close coordination among the member countries to solve these threatening
issues.
SAARC almost failed to accomplish its ambitious objectives during the last 25
years due to the political difference, conflicts and poor economic state of the
member countries. Most of the programs and achievements exist only in official
documents. Their activities are only confined to holding seminars, workshops and
short training courses. During the time of the worst natural calamity in
Bangladesh cyclone (1991), Pakistan earth quack (2005) and flood in Pakistan
(2010), Food Security Reserve of SAARC could not be used to satisfy the demands
of the affected people.
What are the reasons that SAARC could not be able to accomplish its ends and
targets? The most prodigious obstacle is the trust deficit among the member
countries. The relationships among them are not staggeringly conducive. The
relationship between Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are remaining
unsound in history. Inadequacy of trust and cooperation are the cardinal failing
of the SAARC. So, if the major conflicting issues like Kashmir have not been
resolved, how is it possible that SAARC attain the greater cooperation?
At many times hegemonic attitude of India thwarted all efforts of achieving
economic and societal growth. Moreover, that region has acute resources crunch.
The nations of this region are underdeveloped and facing crisis except India.
They are hooked on the outer world for funds and assistance. Therefore, SAARC
relevance is limited. Neither the states nor the organization seems enthusiastic
in working together to improve the socioeconomic status of the countries. These
are the drawbacks due to which SAARC unable to see out the concrete solutions of
the major problems.
SAARC can fulfill its objectives like corruption elimination, acceleration of
economic growth, Social and cultural growth and collective self-reliance only if
the mutual trust has existed among them. Regional and domestic issues can be
resolved if the leadership of the countries is serious in favor of public
security and concord.