Bangladesh's Call to Revitalize SAARC Amid Regional Tensions
Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has made a renewed appeal to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasizing that the organization has not moved beyond theoretical commitments since its establishment in 1985. Yunus's call comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Bangladesh and India, particularly following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government amid widespread student protests last August. Yunus stated that the ongoing issues between India and Pakistan should not hinder the progress of the rest of South Asia, especially as India has boycotted SAARC summits since 2016 due to its accusations against Pakistan regarding support for Kashmiri rebels.
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
SAARC, which includes all South Asian nations, aims to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development. However, historical tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir, have significantly hampered the organization's effectiveness. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has reiterated that cooperation is impossible while terrorism persists, framing the Kashmir issue as a legitimate concern. Experts like Qamarul Hasan from Jahangirnagar University argue that India’s stance is a strategy to isolate Pakistan, undermining SAARC's objectives and allowing India to engage with smaller nations on a bilateral basis.
The Future of SAARC
Despite the challenges, some analysts believe that SAARC can be revitalized if regional leaders, particularly from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, adopt a constructive approach. Ahmed Nazir from the International Islamic University in Pakistan highlighted that previous delays in summits were often due to India's actions, suggesting a need for dialogue among South Asian countries to address their issues. However, the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan, along with strained relations between India and Bangladesh, poses significant obstacles to this revitalization effort.
