Reviving The SAARC

Amidst the prolonged deadlock, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) observed its 39th anniversary the other day, with the heads of governments of member states, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the organisation and working together for the full realisation of its charter objectives. However, their messages delivered on the occasion appears to be more rhetorical than realistic assessment of the situation to give an impetus to the regional association that has been unable to hold summit meeting since its 18th summit organised in Kathmandu in 2014. Likewise, the SAARC Council of Ministers have been stalled for the past three years. The SAARC holds immense potentials to overcome its myriad problems such as poverty, climate change, terrorism and cybercrimes, among others, but it failed to do so due largely to the tension between its two members - India and Pakistan. 

The 19th summit, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2016, was postponed after India refused to participate in it, citing that Pakistan-based militants attacked an Indian Army Base in Uri of Jammu and Kashmir. Other member states Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka also expressed their inability to attend the summit. On the other hand, seven member states have not yet recognised the Afghanistan's current Taliban regime, which has further complicated the process of SAARC that was established in 1985. Bound by similar culture, history and geography, SAARC member countries, in its Charter, have promised regional peace, stability, amity and progress. 

SAARC region consists of 22 per cent of the world's population and the largest reserves of fresh water in the Himalayas but it has not been able to tap into them for the economic integration, trade, tourism, enhanced people-to-people ties and eventual prosperity for its people. After eight years of hibernation, it is time to revamp the stalled SAARC process. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda rightly said that the need for closer cooperation was ever greater, given the still existing old challenge like poverty, malnutrition, along with new and emerging challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and natural disasters exacerbated by adverse climatic phenomenon. Other leaders of SAARC member states have also put emphasis on collective efforts and mutually-beneficial regional cooperation to achieve shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Asia.

The SAARC Charter Day is a moment to reflect on its present and future status and make a joint resolve to fulfil the aspirations of its people. In its capacity of current chair of SAARC, Nepal needs to push for proactive diplomacy to give momentum to the halted SAARC process so that it can evolve as more vibrant, effective and result-oriented regional body. As Nepal maintains sound ties with both India and Pakistan, it should act to reduce the impasse existing between the two nuclear powers. The SAARC leaders should interact each other over the relevancy of the organisation on this special occasion.

The SAARC needs to be revived even by setting aside the differences among its members. It is necessary to explore the areas of common interests and concerns. In principle, member states have agreed that the roads, transmission lines and information and communication technology are the key to the national development and regional integration. Widespread poverty and terrorism are also serious issues that can be fought only when all member states act decisively. Of late, South Asia has regained renewed geopolitical traction owing to its strategic location and economic prospects. Other regional organisations have made substantial achievements so the SAARC must not lag behind in translating its vision into reality.