Unit VII: SAARC, class Notes (Kumaun University-NEP)

Paper Title: Major Theories of International Politics

Unit VII: Regional Organizations – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

By 

Dr. Farzeen Khan

1. Introduction to Regional Organizations

Regional organizations are cooperative alliances among countries within a specific geographic area. They are established to address common political, economic, social, and security issues, aiming to maintain peace and security in line with international norms such as the United Nations Charter. Article 52 of the UN Charter emphasizes the importance of such organizations in maintaining regional peace, provided they align with the objectives and principles of the United Nations. The post-World War II era saw the emergence of several regional and military alliances, primarily in the context of the Cold War, including NATO, SEATO, and the Warsaw Pact.

 2. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

a) Origin of SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded on December 8, 1985, with its headquarters located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a geopolitical and economic organization of eight South Asian nations: Afghanistan (joined in 2007), Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The initiative for establishing SAARC was led by President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, who, in the late 1970s, sought to foster regional cooperation and promote socio-economic development in South Asia.

SAARC was established with the objective of enhancing mutual trust and understanding, promoting social progress, and fostering economic growth among the member countries. The organization aims to improve the quality of life in the region by promoting collective self-reliance among its members and by addressing regional concerns.

b) Structure of SAARC

The SAARC organizational structure is multi-layered, with a focus on policy formulation, decision-making, and program implementation. The key organs and their functions include:

1. SAARC Summit:

   - The highest decision-making body in SAARC.

   - Held biennially, the summit is attended by the Heads of State or Government of the member states.

   - It sets the policy direction and makes key decisions on regional cooperation.

2. Council of Ministers:

   - Composed of foreign ministers of member states.

   - They meet twice a year to assess progress on decisions made during summits and to coordinate policies.

3. Standing Committee:

   - Comprised of the Foreign Secretaries of the member states.

   - Its role is to monitor and ensure the implementation of policies and programs decided by the Summit.

4. SAARC Secretariat:

   - The administrative and coordination arm of SAARC, located in Kathmandu.

   - Headed by the Secretary-General, the Secretariat supports implementation of decisions and facilitates dialogue between member states.

5. Specialized Bodies:

   - These include technical committees and working groups, which focus on specific areas of regional cooperation such as agriculture, trade, energy, and health.

c) Objectives and Principles

The primary objectives of SAARC are to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Key principles guiding its operations include:

1. Promotion of welfare: SAARC aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development to improve the quality of life for the peoples of South Asia.

2. Respect for Sovereignty: SAARC operates under the principle of sovereign equality and does not interfere in the internal affairs of member countries.

3. Collective Self-reliance: SAARC encourages collective self-reliance among the member states in various sectors like economic and social development.

4. Fostering Cooperation: The organization aims to strengthen mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation for one another's problems, and to collaborate on regional and global issues.

5. Non-confrontational Approach: SAARC is not a platform for bilateral disputes. It focuses on regional cooperation without involving itself in conflicts between member countries.

 3. Institutional Framework of SAARC

The institutional framework of SAARC is designed to facilitate multi-sectoral cooperation through various councils, committees, and affiliated institutions:

1. SAARC Regional Centers: These centers focus on specialized areas such as agriculture, meteorology, human resource development, and forestry management.

2. SAARC Development Fund (SDF): Established to finance regional cooperation projects, particularly in the areas of social development, economic infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

3. SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO): This body was established to provide a framework for arbitration of commercial and investment disputes in the region.

4. South Asian University (SAU): Located in New Delhi, this university is aimed at promoting regional understanding and education by offering students from across South Asia the opportunity to pursue higher studies.

4. From SAPTA to SAFTA

 a) SAPTA (South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement)

SAPTA, signed in 1993 and operational from 1995, was the first step towards establishing a framework for regional trade liberalization within SAARC. Its key objectives were to promote and sustain mutual trade and economic cooperation within the region. SAPTA aimed at reducing trade barriers such as tariffs, to foster trade expansion among member countries.

 b) SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area)

The evolution of SAPTA led to the creation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which was signed in 2004 and came into force in 2006. The goal of SAFTA was to achieve a free trade zone within the SAARC region by reducing tariffs, removing barriers, and promoting smoother trade flows among member states.

The main objectives of SAFTA include:

1. Increased Intra-regional Trade: SAFTA aims to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers among SAARC countries to promote regional trade.

2. Trade Liberalization: It seeks to achieve trade liberalization through phased tariff reductions.

3. Dispute Settlement Mechanism: SAFTA includes provisions for resolving trade disputes among member states.

4. Economic Growth: By creating a larger market, SAFTA is aimed at fostering regional economic growth, increasing production, and boosting the competitiveness of the region in the global market.

5. Conclusion

SAARC is a critical regional organization aimed at fostering cooperation among South Asian countries. Through its multi-layered structure, diverse objectives, and focus on economic and social development, it has significantly contributed to regional peace and stability. The transition from SAPTA to SAFTA marks a notable effort toward creating a more integrated economic region. Despite its achievements, SAARC faces challenges such as political differences between member states, especially India and Pakistan, which often slow down its progress. Nonetheless, it remains a vital institution for promoting regional cooperation and development in South Asia.

 Key Challenges Faced by SAARC (2024)

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its ability to promote regional cooperation, economic integration, and political stability. Despite its potential, SAARC has struggled to achieve its goals due to a variety of internal and external factors. Here are some of the key challenges the organization faces:

1. Political Tensions and Bilateral Conflicts

One of the most significant obstacles to SAARC’s effectiveness is the persistent political tensions between its member states, particularly between India and Pakistan. This rivalry has overshadowed almost all regional cooperation initiatives and has led to several disruptions in SAARC activities.

- India-Pakistan Rivalry: The conflict between India and Pakistan, especially over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism, has been a major stumbling block in the functioning of SAARC. Political distrust and diplomatic standoffs between the two countries have often resulted in the postponement or cancellation of SAARC summits and meetings. For instance, the 2016 SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Pakistan was canceled due to tensions between the two nations, with India pulling out and other countries following suit.

- Other Bilateral Disputes: Apart from India-Pakistan, other member states also have unresolved issues. For example, India and Nepal have had border disputes, and tensions between Bangladesh and Pakistan still linger from the legacy of the 1971 war of independence. These bilateral issues create obstacles to effective multilateral cooperation.

2. Lack of Trust and Political Will

SAARC has suffered from a lack of trust among its member states, which undermines collective decision-making and collaboration:

- Mistrust Among Members: The distrust between key members, particularly between India and Pakistan, affects SAARC's ability to act as a cohesive regional bloc. This mistrust also discourages member states from making significant compromises or concessions, thereby limiting the organization's progress in addressing common challenges such as security, trade, and connectivity.

- Political Will: Regional cooperation requires a strong commitment from all member countries. However, the political will to drive SAARC forward is often lacking. Many countries prioritize their bilateral relationships over regional cooperation, especially with larger powers like China and the United States. As a result, SAARC often takes a back seat to other international partnerships.

3. Economic Disparities and Poor Intra-Regional Trade

Despite having immense economic potential, SAARC has been unable to foster meaningful economic integration among its members:

- Low Intra-Regional Trade: Intra-regional trade among SAARC members accounts for less than 5% of their total trade, one of the lowest figures for any regional bloc. Barriers to trade, such as tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and poor infrastructure for cross-border connectivity, continue to stifle economic cooperation. Efforts such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), launched in 2006, have made little progress in boosting trade due to these barriers.

- Economic Disparities: SAARC consists of both large economies (India) and smaller, less developed economies (like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives). These economic disparities make it challenging to create uniform policies that benefit all members equally. Wealthier countries, especially India, tend to dominate regional trade, leading to perceptions of unequal benefits among smaller nations.

- Non-Implementation of Agreements: Despite the existence of frameworks like SAFTA and the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services, their implementation has been slow and ineffective. Member states have been reluctant to reduce trade barriers and improve market access due to concerns over competition and political factors.

4. Security and Terrorism Concerns

Security issues, especially related to terrorism and cross-border insurgency, are major challenges for SAARC. However, the organization has been largely ineffective in addressing them.

- Cross-Border Terrorism: India has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan, accusing it of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations. This issue has been a significant roadblock in improving India-Pakistan relations and, by extension, the overall effectiveness of SAARC. While SAARC has established a Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, the lack of trust and cooperation on counter-terrorism has prevented meaningful progress.

- Security Cooperation: Security cooperation within SAARC remains weak due to political disagreements and competing national interests. While other regional organizations, like ASEAN, have made progress in collective security measures, SAARC has struggled to develop a coherent security framework.

5. Institutional Weaknesses and Inefficiency

SAARC's institutional framework suffers from several shortcomings that limit its effectiveness in promoting regional cooperation:

- Weak Secretariat: The SAARC Secretariat, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, lacks the resources, authority, and capacity to drive meaningful initiatives. Its limited mandate and budget prevent it from playing a more active role in coordinating and implementing SAARC projects. The decision-making process is also hampered by the principle of unanimity, which requires all members to agree before any significant action can be taken. This often leads to deadlock on important issues, especially when political tensions arise.

- Limited Scope and Focus: While SAARC covers a wide range of issues, from trade to health and education, it lacks focus and depth in any particular area. The organization has not been able to develop strong, specialized institutions that could tackle key challenges like economic integration, infrastructure development, or climate change in a meaningful way.

- Dependency on Annual Summits: SAARC's reliance on annual summits for major decision-making further slows down the process of regional cooperation. When summits are canceled or postponed due to political reasons, as has happened frequently, the organization loses momentum and effectiveness.

6. External Influence and Competing Regional Initiatives

SAARC faces competition from other regional organizations and external actors that influence the foreign policy and economic strategies of its member states:

- China’s Growing Influence: China, despite not being a member of SAARC, has become a significant player in South Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Several SAARC countries, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, have strong economic and infrastructure partnerships with China, which sometimes create tensions within SAARC. India, for instance, views China's growing presence in its neighboring countries as a threat to its influence in the region.

- Other Regional Frameworks: Some SAARC members have increasingly turned to other regional initiatives, such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which includes several SAARC members but excludes Pakistan. BIMSTEC is seen as a more functional alternative to SAARC for economic and security cooperation, particularly for India. This shift in focus further undermines SAARC’s relevance.

7. Limited Progress in Addressing Common Issues

SAARC has been unable to effectively address several common regional issues that require cooperation, such as:

- Poverty and Development: South Asia remains home to some of the world’s poorest populations. While SAARC was formed in part to address these challenges, progress has been limited. Issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare access, and education remain significant challenges for the region, but SAARC’s efforts in these areas have been minimal.

- Climate Change: South Asia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and glacial melt. While climate change is recognized as a priority area for cooperation within SAARC, concrete actions have been limited. The lack of regional coordination on environmental issues hinders the ability to tackle transboundary problems such as water resource management, air pollution, and disaster response.

Conclusion

SAARC’s potential to foster regional cooperation in South Asia has been severely constrained by political conflicts, especially between India and Pakistan, a lack of trust and political will, weak institutional frameworks, and economic disparities among its members. While SAARC has made some progress in areas like poverty reduction and cultural exchanges, its overall effectiveness remains limited. If SAARC is to remain relevant, member states will need to overcome their political differences, strengthen its institutional capacity, and focus on areas where collective action can truly make a difference, such as economic integration, counter-terrorism, and climate resilience.

Future of SAARC Integration

The future of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remains uncertain, given the current political, economic, and institutional challenges. However, there are several potential pathways that SAARC could follow to revive its relevance and foster greater regional integration. The possibility of a more integrated SAARC depends on the region’s ability to overcome deep-seated obstacles and capitalize on opportunities for cooperation.

1. India-Pakistan Relations: The Key Factor

The future of SAARC largely hinges on the relationship between India and Pakistan. The long-standing rivalry between these two countries has been the biggest roadblock to regional cooperation. Several potential scenarios could unfold:

- Improvement in Relations: If India and Pakistan were to engage in sustained dialogue and resolve key issues, such as cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir dispute, it could open the door for greater regional collaboration. An improvement in bilateral relations would lead to more productive SAARC summits, and the organization could regain its momentum in addressing regional challenges like trade, security, and development.

-Status Quo or Deterioration: If tensions between India and Pakistan continue or worsen, SAARC’s progress will likely remain stalled. In this scenario, bilateral disputes will continue to overshadow multilateral cooperation, and SAARC’s relevance may further diminish as member states turn to other regional frameworks like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) for collaboration.

- Role of External Powers: Geopolitical shifts, including the influence of external powers like China and the United States, could either exacerbate or mitigate India-Pakistan tensions. For instance, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in South Asia could lead to more division between member states, particularly as India opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Alternatively, external actors could also play a mediating role in easing tensions.

2. Strengthening Economic Integration

Despite the political tensions, there are areas where economic cooperation could advance, providing a foundation for deeper integration. To achieve this, SAARC would need to focus on several key areas:

- Reforming SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area): The South Asian Free Trade Area has been ineffective in significantly increasing intra-regional trade. Reforming SAFTA by reducing non-tariff barriers, harmonizing customs procedures, and improving trade facilitation could help foster greater economic ties among SAARC nations. Expanding SAFTA to cover services and digital trade could also stimulate economic integration.

- Regional Supply Chains: Post-pandemic global supply chain disruptions have highlighted the need for regional supply chains. South Asian countries could focus on creating resilient regional supply chains, especially in sectors like textiles, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. This would increase intra-regional trade and reduce dependence on external markets.

- Connectivity Projects: Improving infrastructure and cross-border connectivity through joint projects, such as road, rail, and energy networks, is crucial for economic integration. For instance, projects like the SAARC Highway Corridor or energy sharing arrangements could enhance cooperation. However, such projects often face delays due to political mistrust and funding constraints, which need to be addressed.

3. Institutional Reform and Functional Cooperation

For SAARC to have a more integrated future, its institutional framework needs significant reform to enhance its effectiveness:

- Strengthening the SAARC Secretariat: The SAARC Secretariat must be empowered with greater autonomy, resources, and a more flexible mandate to carry out projects and implement agreements. Moving away from consensus-based decision-making toward a more majority-based approach for certain issues could help overcome political deadlocks and ensure that the organization can function even when bilateral tensions exist.

- Issue-Based Cooperation: One way forward is to focus on issue-based cooperation, where countries collaborate on specific non-political areas such as healthcare, climate change, disaster management, and education. SAARC’s South Asian University and its initiatives for poverty alleviation and disaster preparedness have shown promise. Expanding these efforts could foster functional cooperation even in the absence of political consensus.

- Non-Political Areas of Cooperation: SAARC could prioritize cooperation in non-controversial areas like science and technology, culture, sports, and youth exchanges. Such cooperation could build trust among member states and gradually create a conducive environment for tackling more complex issues.

4. Greater Focus on Climate Change and Shared Environmental Challenges

One of the most promising areas for future SAARC integration is climate change and environmental cooperation, as these challenges affect all member states regardless of their political differences:

- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: South Asia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and extreme weather events. SAARC could take the lead in creating a regional climate resilience framework to share resources, technology, and best practices for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

- Transboundary Water Management: Shared river systems like the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin create opportunities for regional cooperation on water management. SAARC could focus on joint management of water resources to address issues like flooding, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture practices, especially in light of the region’s growing water-related challenges

- Renewable Energy Collaboration: Member states could collaborate on renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, to ensure sustainable energy for the future. Joint initiatives in clean energy could also help SAARC countries reduce their carbon footprints and transition toward greener economies.

5. Greater Role for Smaller Member States

Smaller SAARC countries, such as Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, could play a more proactive role in fostering regional cooperation. Often overshadowed by India and Pakistan, these smaller nations could act as mediators and promoters of regional integration by pushing for collective action on common regional challenges:

- Neutral Mediation Role: Countries like Nepal and Bhutan have historically maintained neutral foreign policies. These smaller members could help mediate between India and Pakistan, offering platforms for dialogue on contentious issues or helping to build consensus on less controversial areas of cooperation.

- Driving Functional Cooperation: Smaller countries could take the lead in specific areas, such as climate change, tourism, and education, where they have significant expertise and vested interests. For example, Bhutan’s focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and environmental sustainability could be a model for regional initiatives on well-being and green development.

6. Leveraging Technology and Digital Cooperation

In a world increasingly driven by digital technology, SAARC could explore opportunities for digital integration to boost regional cooperation:

- Digital Economy and E-Commerce: Expanding digital connectivity and creating frameworks for regional e-commerce could enhance economic integration. SAARC countries could collaborate on common standards for digital trade, cross-border data flow, and cybersecurity, creating a South Asian digital ecosystem that fosters innovation and trade.

- Technology Transfer: Member states could engage in technology transfer programs, sharing innovations in areas like agriculture, telemedicine, renewable energy, and education. A focus on technology cooperation could drive regional development and ensure that less-developed countries benefit from advances in science and technology.

7. External Partnerships and Regional Security

For SAARC to remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected world, it will need to engage with external partners and address regional security concerns:

-Engagement with Global Powers: SAARC could benefit from stronger partnerships with global organizations like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Strategic partnerships with external powers like the European Union or Japan could also help boost regional projects in areas like trade, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

- Security Cooperation: While security issues remain contentious due to the India-Pakistan rivalry, SAARC could focus on non-traditional security threats like cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. Joint cooperation in these areas could help build trust and ensure greater regional stability.

Conclusion: A Cautious but Optimistic Future

The future of SAARC integration is uncertain, but not without hope. While political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, will remain a significant barrier, there are opportunities for SAARC to focus on functional cooperation in non-political areas such as climate change, digital connectivity, and economic integration. Smaller member states could play a greater role in fostering collaboration, while institutional reforms are essential for overcoming the current inefficiencies.

If SAARC can gradually build trust through cooperation on common challenges, it may still fulfill its potential as a regional bloc. However, the region's future integration will require strong political will, institutional innovation, and flexibility to adapt to the complex dynamics of South Asia.

 India’s Role in SAARC

As the largest and most influential member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction and outcomes. India’s position as the dominant economic and military power in South Asia, along with its central geographic location, gives it significant leverage in regional dynamics. However, India's role in SAARC has been both constructive and contentious, shaped by its own regional and global ambitions, as well as its complex relationships with other SAARC members, particularly Pakistan.

 1. India as a Founding Member

India was one of the founding members of SAARC when it was established in 1985. It has supported the organization’s primary goals of promoting regional cooperation, economic integration, and development in South Asia. Initially, India viewed SAARC as a platform for fostering goodwill and building economic partnerships with its neighbors, particularly smaller states like Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

However, India also maintained a degree of skepticism about the effectiveness of SAARC, especially because of the principle of unanimity in decision-making, which allowed smaller states or Pakistan to block initiatives that India might propose. Despite this, India remained committed to the organization, viewing regional cooperation as important for economic growth and stability in its immediate neighborhood.

 2. Economic Leadership and Trade Initiatives

India plays a central role in economic cooperation within SAARC, being the largest economy in the region. India’s leadership in trade and infrastructure development has been critical to SAARC’s efforts to boost intra-regional trade and connectivity:

- SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area): India was a driving force behind the creation of SAFTA, which came into effect in 2006. The agreement aimed to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers among member states, with the goal of fostering regional economic integration. India has provided preferential trade access to smaller SAARC countries, offering duty-free and quota-free access to its market for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

- Connectivity Projects: India has been involved in promoting regional connectivity initiatives, such as cross-border road, rail, and energy projects. For instance, India has worked on improving energy cooperation with Bhutan and Nepal through hydroelectric projects. However, political tensions, especially with Pakistan, have prevented large-scale regional connectivity projects from reaching their full potential.

- Aid and Development Assistance: India has also extended significant development assistance to its smaller neighbors, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects through both bilateral and SAARC channels. This has bolstered India’s role as a regional benefactor, although some smaller states have been cautious about becoming overly dependent on India.

 3. Security and Political Challenges: India-Pakistan Rivalry

The India-Pakistan rivalry is perhaps the most significant factor affecting India’s role in SAARC. The longstanding conflict between the two countries, particularly over issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, has hampered SAARC’s ability to function effectively:

- Obstruction of Summits: Bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan have often led to the postponement or cancellation of SAARC summits. For example, the 2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was canceled after India, along with several other member states, boycotted the event due to heightened tensions with Pakistan over terrorism-related issues.

- Limited Security Cooperation: India has consistently raised concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which has stymied efforts to create meaningful security cooperation within SAARC. India has pushed for stronger counter-terrorism measures and cooperation, but progress has been limited due to Pakistan’s reluctance and the broader political impasse between the two nations.

- Shift to Bilateral and Other Multilateral Frameworks: Due to SAARC’s inability to overcome the India-Pakistan divide, India has increasingly turned to other platforms like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), which excludes Pakistan, to promote regional integration. India’s pivot to BIMSTEC reflects its frustration with SAARC’s limitations and its desire to pursue regional initiatives that are not hampered by political conflict.

 4. India’s Leadership in Addressing Common Regional Challenges

Despite the political challenges, India has played a leading role in addressing common regional issues that affect all SAARC countries. These include:

- Disaster Management: India has taken the lead in promoting disaster risk reduction and management within SAARC. The region is highly prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, and India has supported regional efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

- Health and Education Initiatives: India has promoted cooperation in areas like public health and education. India’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including its initiative to create a SAARC COVID-19 emergency fund, demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation in crisis situations. India also provided vaccines and medical assistance to several SAARC countries as part of its broader vaccine diplomacy effort.

- Climate Change and Environmental Issues: India has championed regional cooperation on climate change and environmental sustainability, recognizing the shared vulnerability of South Asia to issues like rising sea levels, glacier melt, and extreme weather events. India has called for joint action on climate adaptation and sustainable development within SAARC, although concrete progress remains limited.

5. India’s Role as a Regional Balancer

India also plays the role of a regional balancer within SAARC, managing its relationships with smaller member states. It has sought to avoid dominating the organization while still providing leadership:

- Managing Relations with Smaller States: India has maintained strong bilateral relations with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives through trade, infrastructure projects, and development assistance. However, some smaller SAARC members, particularly Nepal and Sri Lanka, have expressed concerns over India’s perceived hegemonic tendencies, leading them to balance their relations with China. 

- Geopolitical Competition with China: China’s growing influence in South Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has complicated India’s role in SAARC. Several SAARC countries, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, have welcomed Chinese investment in infrastructure, sometimes at the expense of India’s regional influence. India has responded by increasing its own investments in the region and strengthening ties with like-minded countries like Japan and the United States to counterbalance China’s presence.

6. India’s Future Role in SAARC: Prospects and Challenges

The future of India’s role in SAARC depends on several factors:

- Resolving Bilateral Tensions: The ability of SAARC to function effectively will largely depend on whether India and Pakistan can manage or resolve their political differences. Without improvement in their bilateral relations, it is unlikely that SAARC will achieve its full potential as a regional organization. India’s growing emphasis on BIMSTEC and other platforms suggests that it may increasingly prioritize alternatives to SAARC if the current deadlock persists.

- Economic Leadership: India is likely to continue playing a central role in fostering economic cooperation within SAARC, especially with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Expanding infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and trade initiatives with its smaller neighbors could strengthen India’s leadership role, even if political tensions with Pakistan remain unresolved.

- Regional Stability and Security: India’s push for counter-terrorism cooperation and efforts to combat non-traditional security threats, such as cybersecurity and maritime security, will continue to shape its role in SAARC. India will likely advocate for more robust security mechanisms within the region, although achieving consensus on these issues remains a challenge due to Pakistan’s opposition.

- Environmental Leadership: Given the region’s shared vulnerability to climate change, India could further assert its leadership by championing regional initiatives on climate resilience, sustainable development, and disaster management. These are areas where SAARC cooperation could thrive, despite political tensions.

Conclusion

India’s role in SAARC is crucial, as its size, economic power, and geopolitical influence make it a natural leader in the region. However, India’s leadership within SAARC has been constrained by its complex relationship with Pakistan, which has prevented the organization from achieving greater regional integration. While India remains committed to SAARC’s goals, its growing frustration with the political deadlock, particularly with Pakistan, has led it to explore alternative frameworks like BIMSTEC. Going forward, India will likely continue to promote economic cooperation, development projects, and regional stability, but the overall success of SAARC will depend on whether the political environment in South Asia can evolve to enable more constructive cooperation.