The Saarc Revival Effort Hits an India-Pakistan Roadblock

The Maldives’ call for reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) has been met with a brick wall, thanks to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. For over a decade, Saarc has been in stasis, unable to hold meetings or issue collective statements.

The reasons behind this impasse are clear: the India-Pakistan relationship remains the region’s most significant challenge. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s offer to act as a mediator is laudable, but it’s unlikely to be taken seriously by either side, given their deep-seated mistrust and animosity.

Dhaka sees Saarc’s revival as crucial for unlocking regional economic potential. Regional cooperation can lead to increased trade, improved connectivity, and a more coordinated response to transnational challenges like climate change. However, India and Pakistan won’t move towards reviving Saarc unless they address their own bilateral issues.

Across South Asia, countries are often at odds with each other on contentious issues like Kashmir, water sharing, or security concerns. This perpetuates a region stuck in neutral, unable to benefit from regional cooperation. The people of South Asia suffer from poverty, inequality, and poor governance as a result.

Saarc’s failure also reflects the region’s inability to address internal contradictions. Many countries struggle with domestic issues like authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. Regional cooperation can provide a platform for collective action on these issues.

India and Pakistan must put aside their differences and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. This requires a fundamental shift in their approach towards each other. Until then, the people of South Asia will continue to miss out on regional cooperation benefits.

The international community can encourage India and Pakistan to engage with each other through diplomatic channels. The United States, China, and other major powers can provide economic incentives for cooperation, promote people-to-people exchanges, and encourage dialogue on contentious issues.

Ultimately, reviving Saarc demands a commitment from all member states to work towards common goals. This means putting aside petty squabbles and nationalistic sentiments in favor of regional interests. As Muizzu said, “The Maldives stands ready to serve as a mediator” – a message that should be heeded by all countries in the region.

The failure of Saarc has far-reaching implications for global governance. The absence of a vibrant regional organization undermines multilateralism and international cooperation. It’s a reminder that even small steps towards greater understanding can have significant impact on the world stage.

The people of South Asia deserve better than to be stuck in this cycle of division and mistrust. Reviving Saarc will require more than just words – it demands a fundamental shift in how countries approach each other and work towards common goals. As the region continues to struggle with internal contradictions, one thing is clear: the future of South Asia hangs precariously in the balance.