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“Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.

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The statement highlights two significant challenges facing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan's interference in the internal affairs of member states. These issues hinder the effectiveness and future prospects of SAARC as a regional organization aimed at promoting cooperation and development among South Asian countries.

Challenges to SAARC

  1. Cross-border Terrorism

    • Description: Cross-border terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan, has been a persistent issue for India and other SAARC countries. This threat undermines regional security and stability, affecting trust and cooperation among member states.

    • Impact on SAARC: The inability to address security concerns effectively leads to a lack of trust and cooperation among member states, limiting SAARC's potential to act as a unified regional body.

    • Example: The 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by terrorists based in Pakistan, significantly strained India-Pakistan relations and impacted regional dynamics. Similarly, attacks in Pathankot (2016) and Uri (2016) further exacerbated tensions.

  2. Interference in Internal Affairs

    • Description: Pakistan has been accused of interfering in the internal affairs of other SAARC member states, supporting insurgencies, and fostering political instability. Such actions create friction and distrust within the organization.

    • Impact on SAARC: Interference undermines the sovereignty and political stability of member states, preventing meaningful cooperation on shared regional challenges.

    • Example: Pakistan's alleged support for insurgent groups in Afghanistan and its involvement in Nepal's internal politics have raised concerns among SAARC countries about its role in the region.

Examples of SAARC's Ineffectiveness Due to These Challenges

  1. Postponement of SAARC Summits

    • Description: SAARC summits have been postponed or canceled multiple times due to political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan.

    • Example: The 19th SAARC Summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2016, was canceled after India, along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, decided to boycott the event following the Uri attack and Pakistan's perceived inaction against terrorism.

  2. Limited Economic Cooperation

    • Description: Political tensions and security concerns have hindered economic integration and cooperation within SAARC, despite its mandate to promote regional development.

    • Example: The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, aimed at reducing trade barriers, has not been fully realized due to lack of trust and cooperation, particularly between India and Pakistan.

  3. Failure to Address Security Concerns

    • Description: SAARC has struggled to develop a cohesive approach to combat terrorism and address security issues due to differing national priorities and political rivalries.

    • Example: The SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, adopted in 1987, has not been effectively implemented, as member states have been unable to agree on actionable measures due to political tensions.

Impact on the Future of SAARC

  1. Erosion of Credibility and Relevance

    • Description: The inability to address key security and political challenges erodes SAARC's credibility as a regional organization, diminishing its relevance in addressing contemporary issues.

    • Impact: Member states may increasingly seek alternative regional or international platforms for cooperation, reducing SAARC's influence and effectiveness.

  2. Shift Towards Bilateral and Subregional Cooperation

    • Description: Due to SAARC's ineffectiveness, member states may prefer bilateral or subregional initiatives to address specific concerns and foster cooperation.

    • Example: Initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Initiative have gained traction as alternative platforms for regional cooperation.

Conclusion

The increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan's interference in the internal affairs of SAARC member states pose significant challenges to the organization's effectiveness and future prospects. These issues undermine trust and cooperation, limiting SAARC's ability to address regional challenges and promote development. For SAARC to remain relevant, it must find ways to address these security concerns and foster genuine collaboration among its members.

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