Failure of SAARC and Strengthening of BIMSTEC

Failure of SAARC: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, aimed to promote regional cooperation and development among South Asian countries. However, it has largely been ineffective due to political conflicts, particularly between India and Pakistan. The 2016 Pathankot attack and subsequent tensions led to the suspension of the SAARC summit scheduled in Islamabad, highlighting the organization’s limitations.

Strengthening BIMSTEC: In response, India has actively supported Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC, formed in 1997, includes countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia, offering a broader platform for regional integration. India’s push for BIMSTEC is evident in the BIMSTEC summit 2022, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation, connectivity, and security collaboration. This move aims to bypass the geopolitical constraints of SAARC and foster inclusive regional growth and strategic partnerships.

Recent Examples: Initiatives like the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection projects reflect India’s commitment to strengthening regional ties through BIMSTEC.

Conclusion: The failure of SAARC due to persistent geopolitical issues has led India to focus on BIMSTEC as a more effective platform for regional cooperation and development.