SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is a regional body focused on fostering economic, social, and cultural progress in South Asia. It includes eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Objectives:
Promote regional integration and cooperation
Boost economic growth and social development
Enhance regional security and stability
Encourage cultural exchange and people-to-people ties
Summits:
The first summit was held in 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, followed by others in cities like Bangalore, Kathmandu, and Islamabad. The 19th summit, planned for 2016, was canceled, while the 20th summit took place virtually in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Key Institutions:
SAARC Secretariat (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Regional Centres such as the SAARC Agricultural Centre and SAARC Energy Centre
South Asian University (New Delhi, India)
Notable Agreements:
SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement)
SAPTA (South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement)
SAARC Convention on Preventing Trafficking in Women and Children
Challenges:
Political tensions among member states
Economic inequalities and disparities
Security issues, including terrorism
Lack of infrastructure and connectivity
Opportunities:
Expanding regional trade and investment
Collaboration on energy and renewable resources
Enhancing cultural exchange and tourism
Addressing climate change and disaster management together.
SAARC Official Website, The Hindu, Al Jazeera, BBC News,The Economic Times, Reuters
