Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define SAARC and its purpose.
- Briefly mention the impact of India-Pakistan tensions on the effectiveness of SAARC.
2. Increasing Cross-Border Terrorism
- Discuss specific incidents of cross-border terrorism, such as:
- The Uri attack in 2016, where militants crossed the Line of Control (Source: Indian Government Reports).
- Explain the implications of such attacks on India-Pakistan relations and regional stability.
3. Pakistan’s Interference in Internal Affairs
- Provide examples of Pakistan’s involvement in the internal matters of SAARC member states, such as:
- Support for militant groups in Kashmir and their impact on India (Source: Global Terrorism Index).
- Influence in the internal politics of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka (Source: Regional Security Studies).
- Discuss how these actions create distrust among SAARC members.
4. Impact on SAARC’s Effectiveness
- Analyze how these issues have led to India’s withdrawal from the 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad.
- Introduce the concept of “SAARC minus Pakistan” and its implications for regional cooperation (Source: Indian Foreign Ministry Statements).
- Mention alternative regional frameworks like BBIN and BIMSTEC that India is pursuing due to SAARC’s stagnation.
5. Economic Integration Challenges
- Discuss how Pakistan’s policies hinder economic agreements within SAARC, such as:
- Blocked trade initiatives and infrastructure projects (Source: SAARC Reports).
- Explain the consequences for regional economic cooperation and development.
6. Conclusion
- Summarize the detrimental effects of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s interference on SAARC’s future.
- Emphasize the need for dialogue and cooperation to address these challenges for the benefit of all member states.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- SAARC Purpose: Established in 1985, SAARC aims to promote regional integration and economic cooperation among South Asian countries (Source: SAARC Official Website).
- Uri Attack: The 2016 Uri attack, where 19 Indian soldiers were killed, heightened tensions and led to India’s withdrawal from the SAARC Summit (Source: Indian Government Reports).
- Global Terrorism Index: Pakistan has been identified as a country that harbors and supports militant groups, contributing to regional instability (Source: Global Terrorism Index).
- Internal Affairs Interference: Pakistan’s involvement in Afghanistan and support for separatist movements in India have strained relations with multiple SAARC countries (Source: Regional Security Studies).
- SAARC Summit Withdrawal: India withdrew from the 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad due to escalating tensions and terrorist activities (Source: Indian Foreign Ministry Statements).
- BBIN and BIMSTEC: India has pursued alternative regional frameworks like BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as a response to SAARC’s stagnation (Source: SAARC and BIMSTEC Reports).
Impact of Cross-Border Terrorism and Interference on SAARC’s Future
Introduction The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) aims to foster regional cooperation and development among South Asian countries. However, increasing cross-border terrorism and interference by Pakistan in member-states’ internal affairs have undermined the effectiveness of SAARC.
Cross-Border Terrorism
Interference in Internal Affairs
Examples of Strain on SAARC
Conclusion The rise in cross-border terrorist attacks and Pakistan’s interference in the internal affairs of SAARC member states significantly hampers the future prospects of the organization. These issues foster distrust, disrupt diplomatic relations, and hinder the pursuit of regional cooperation and development.
Model Answer
Introduction
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, has faced significant limitations in its effectiveness due to persistent tensions and disagreements between India and Pakistan. Over the past few years, SAARC has been largely inactive, primarily due to friction between the two countries. This article explores the consequences of this situation and the importance of engaging Pakistan to address the economic and security challenges faced by SAARC member nations.
Friction between India and Pakistan
The attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri by militants crossing the Line of Control in India-administered Kashmir heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following this incident, the Indian government condemned Pakistan and sought to isolate Islamabad on the international stage. India’s decision to withdraw from the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in 2016 was a clear indication of its stance against Pakistan’s involvement in regional cooperation .
SAARC Minus Pakistan
India’s withdrawal from the SAARC summit aimed to convey a strong message in the aftermath of the Uri attack and to pursue an alternative approach called “SAARC minus Pakistan.” This approach suggests that addressing South Asian challenges without Pakistan’s involvement might be more feasible due to the civil-military dissonance in Pakistan’s policy towards India. Additionally, Pakistan’s obstruction of economic integration by blocking connectivity initiatives has impeded progress within SAARC .
Impediments to Economic Integration
Pakistan’s policies have stalled important agreements on trade liberalization, cross-border trade in energy, and road connectivity. These actions have not only hindered regional economic cooperation but also led to the formation of sub-regional frameworks such as the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) cooperation, which excludes Pakistan. India has increasingly turned towards alternative regional organizations like BIMSTEC, as evidenced during the BIMSTEC summit held alongside the BRICS Summit.
Security Challenges and Regional Cooperation
Pakistan’s role in using terrorism as a tool of state policy has posed significant security challenges in the region. Being strategically positioned between South Asia and Central Asia, Pakistan plays a crucial role in intra- and inter-regional trade and commerce. Effectively addressing security concerns and achieving regional cooperation within SAARC necessitates the involvement of Pakistan in the framework .
Conclusion
Tensions and disagreements between India and Pakistan have hampered SAARC’s effectiveness. However, it is crucial to engage Pakistan to overcome the economic and security challenges faced by South Asian nations. Pakistan’s central geographic location and its influence on trade and commerce make it essential to include the country within the SAARC framework for regional cooperation. By promoting dialogue and understanding between India and Pakistan, SAARC can regain its purpose and work towards fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.