Bangladesh’s caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus sought Pakistan’s assistance to revive Saarc during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The regional grouping has been inactive since 2016 primarily due to India’s concerns over terrorism related to Pakistan. While Pakistan and Bangladesh aim to leverage Saarc for economic cooperation, India remains opposed, adhering to its anti-terrorism stance.
On September 25, 2023, Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, engaged in discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). This regional grouping, established in 1985, has remained inactive since 2016. Despite Pakistan’s repeated calls for a revitalization of Saarc, India has consistently opposed such initiatives, largely due to its positioning around the issues of terrorism linked to Pakistan. Saarc, comprised of eight South Asian nations including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, has been stagnant since tensions escalated after the 2016 Uri attack, during which Indian soldiers were killed. Following this attack, India withdrew from the 19th Saarc Summit held in Islamabad, with Bangladesh and others subsequently following suit. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the principle that India would not engage with a group that tolerates terrorism while also striving for trade relations, stating that India cannot accept a situation where “terrorism happens by night and trade happens by day.” Under the leadership of Yunus, who succeeded Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh appears to be shifting its stance on Saarc. Yunus posited that Saarc could serve as a model for regional cooperation akin to the European Union, emphasizing mutual benefits among member states. Furthermore, Yunus’s appeal to Sharif underscores a potential strategy to bolster their economies amidst challenges, as both nations explore areas for investment and collaboration in sectors like textiles and leather. Despite Pakistan’s ongoing support for Saarc’s revival and its previous calls for summits, India remains unmoved, maintaining its position due to Pakistan’s record of supporting cross-border terrorism. The divergence in interests—Pakistan and Bangladesh advocating for economic collaboration through Saarc, contrasted with India’s steadfast rejection based on security grounds—illustrates the complex dynamics of regional politics and economics in South Asia.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is a regional intergovernmental organization founded on December 8, 1985, aimed at promoting economic and regional integration among its member states, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its activities largely focus on economic, social, and cultural cooperation. Since its establishment, Saarc has faced challenges, most notably from political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, which have often hindered its progress and functioning, culminating in its dormancy since 2016. The escalating tensions following terrorist attacks attributed to Pakistan have led India to withdraw from Saarc initiatives, significantly impacting regional cooperation efforts.
The renewed discussions by Bangladesh to revive the Saarc, with Pakistan’s backing, highlight a significant shift in regional cooperation dynamics amid declining economies in both nations. However, the persistent security concerns and India’s firm stance against Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism pose notable obstacles. While Bangladesh and Pakistan are eager to reestablish this forum for economic gains, India is resolute in its position, emphasizing that without credible action against terrorism, participation is untenable.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
