Bangladesh seeks Pakistan’s assistance to revive Saarc, a regional grouping inactive since 2016. The renewed interest stems from economic challenges facing both countries, yet India’s refusal to participate remains a significant obstacle due to security concerns over terrorism associated with Pakistan.
Bangladesh’s caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus recently sought assistance from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in efforts to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), a regional organization that has remained inactive since 2016. Yunus’s initiative is particularly noteworthy as it marks a shift in Bangladesh’s position regarding Saarc, a platform predominantly influenced by India, which has historically resisted discussions about reviving the group due to Pakistan’s alleged sponsorship of terrorism. The context of this renewed dialogue is rooted in the geopolitical tensions that have characterized India-Pakistan relations, particularly after the 2016 Uri attack, which led India to boycott the 19th Saarc summit in Islamabad. Consequently, this prompted Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to withdraw, leaving Saarc devoid of the participation essential for its effectiveness. India’s stance, reiterated by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizes that it would not engage in a framework where “terrorism happens by night and trade happens by day.” In recent discussions between Yunus and Sharif, held on September 25 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the leaders explored the prospects of revitalizing bilateral relations and the Saarc framework. Yunus expressed optimism regarding Saarc’s potential as a model of regional cooperation, akin to the European Union, and underscored the necessity for mutual benefits among member states. Prime Minister Sharif indicated willingness to support these efforts. The primary motivation behind the push for Saarc’s revival from both Bangladesh and Pakistan stems from dire economic conditions. Pakistan grapples with severe economic difficulties, relying on loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Gulf countries, while Bangladesh has also faced economic setbacks attributed to corruption. The two leaders anticipate that enhanced regional cooperation could significantly bolster their respective economies, with Pakistan expressing interest in investing in Bangladesh’s textile and leather industries. Despite the eagerness of Bangladesh and Pakistan to rekindle Saarc, India’s continued disinterest poses a significant challenge. India’s economic prowess and its engagement with other international frameworks, such as the G20 and Brics, render it less dependent on Saarc. The sentiment among analysts suggests that India may not gain tangible benefits from re-engagement with Saarc unless there are substantial changes in Pakistan’s behavior regarding terrorism.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 1985, comprising eight member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organization has faced challenges, particularly due to the strained relations between its members, notably India and Pakistan. The dormant status of Saarc since 2016 can be traced back to India’s withdrawal from the summit after the Uri terror attack, which it attributed to Pakistan’s terrorist support. The revival of Saarc discussions has regained relevance recently due to the change in leadership in Bangladesh and the desperate economic conditions in both Bangladesh and Pakistan.
In summary, Bangladesh’s renewed interest in Saarc through Prime Minister Yunus’s efforts, coupled with Pakistan’s support, is driven by economic necessity within their respective countries. However, India’s steadfast refusal to engage with Saarc, primarily due to security concerns and its existing global partnerships, continues to be a formidable barrier to the group’s revival. Without India’s participation, Saarc’s effectiveness and relevance as a regional platform remain in jeopardy.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
