UPSC Notes-SAARC

SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): Comprehensive Notes for UPSC Preparation

Introduction

1. Establishment:
   • SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Objective:
   • To promote regional cooperation and development in South Asia.
   • Enhance economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
3. Headquarters:
   • Kathmandu, Nepal.

Member Countries

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

Observers

• Australia
• China
• European Union
• Iran
• Japan
• Mauritius
• Myanmar
• South Korea
• United States

Key Objectives

1. Economic Cooperation:
   • Promote economic growth and development through regional cooperation.
   • Enhance trade, investment, and technology transfer among member countries.
2. Social Development:
   • Improve the quality of life and well-being of the people of South Asia.
   • Address social issues like poverty, illiteracy, and health.
3. Cultural Exchange:
   • Promote cultural cooperation and understanding among member countries.
   • Preserve and promote the cultural heritage of South Asia.
4. Regional Peace and Security:
   • Foster good neighborly relations and mutual understanding among member countries.
   • Promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Structure and Organization

1. Summit:
   • The highest decision-making body, comprising heads of state or government of member countries.
   • Summits are held biennially to discuss and decide on key issues and initiatives.
2. Council of Ministers:
   • Composed of foreign ministers of member countries.
   • Meets twice a year to formulate policies, review progress, and coordinate activities.
3. Standing Committee:
   • Consists of foreign secretaries of member countries.
   • Responsible for overall coordination and monitoring of SAARC programs and activities.
4. Technical Committees:
   • Focus on specific areas of cooperation such as agriculture, health, education, and environment.
   • Implement programs and projects in their respective fields.
5. Secretariat:
   • The SAARC Secretariat, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, facilitates the implementation of SAARC activities and initiatives.
   • Headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed on a rotational basis from member countries.

Areas of Cooperation

1. Economic and Trade:
   • Implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) to enhance intra-regional trade.
   • Initiatives to promote investment and economic integration.
2. Agriculture and Rural Development:
   • Programs to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
   • Cooperation in areas such as food security, irrigation, and agricultural research.
3. Science and Technology:
   • Collaborative projects in science and technology to foster innovation and development.
   • Exchange of knowledge and best practices in areas like biotechnology, information technology, and renewable energy.
4. Social Development:
   • Initiatives to address social issues such as poverty, education, health, and gender equality.
   • Programs to improve maternal and child health, literacy, and skill development.
5. Environment:
   • Joint efforts to address environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and natural disasters.
   • Cooperation on sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.
6. Culture:
   • Promotion of cultural exchange and preservation of the cultural heritage of South Asia.
   • Initiatives to enhance mutual understanding and respect among member countries.
7. Security Cooperation:
   • Collaboration on security issues, including counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and transnational crimes.
   • Initiatives to enhance regional peace and stability.

Achievements

1. SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area):
   • Came into effect on January 1, 2006, aiming to reduce tariffs and promote intra-regional trade.
   • Facilitates trade liberalization and economic integration in the region.
2. SAARC Development Fund (SDF):
   • Established in 2010 to promote regional development projects.
   • Focuses on social, economic, and infrastructure development initiatives.
3. SAARC Food Bank:
   • Launched to address food security issues and provide emergency food assistance.
   • Member countries contribute to the food bank to ensure regional food security.
4. SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC):
   • Established to coordinate regional efforts in disaster preparedness and management.
   • Facilitates cooperation in disaster risk reduction and response.
5. SAARC Cultural Centre:
   • Promotes cultural exchange and preservation of cultural heritage.
   • Organizes cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions to enhance regional cooperation.

Challenges

1. Political Tensions:
   • Bilateral disputes, particularly between India and Pakistan, hinder regional cooperation.
   • Political differences and conflicts affect the implementation of SAARC initiatives.
2. Economic Disparities:
   • Significant economic disparities among member countries pose challenges to regional integration.
   • Unequal development levels affect the equitable distribution of benefits from regional cooperation.
3. Implementation Issues:
   • Slow implementation of agreements and initiatives due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of political will.
   • Inadequate funding and resources for effective implementation of programs.
4. Limited Connectivity:
   • Poor physical connectivity and infrastructure hamper regional trade and cooperation.
   • Need for improved transport and communication networks to enhance connectivity.

Recent Developments

1. COVID-19 Response:
   • SAARC member countries coordinated efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Establishment of the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide financial assistance for pandemic response.
2. Virtual Meetings:
   • Increased use of virtual platforms for SAARC meetings and discussions due to the pandemic.
   • Continued dialogue and cooperation on key regional issues through virtual means.
3. Focus on Regional Connectivity:
   • Renewed emphasis on improving regional connectivity through initiatives like the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement and SAARC Regional Railways Agreement.
   • Efforts to enhance trade, transport, and people-to-people connectivity.

India’s Role and Perspective

1. Strategic Importance:
   • SAARC is crucial for India’s regional diplomacy and economic interests.
   • Promotes regional stability, economic integration, and cooperation on shared challenges.
2. Leadership and Initiatives:
   • India has taken a leading role in SAARC, hosting several summits and initiating key projects.
   • Proposals for regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and social development.
3. Challenges and Opportunities:
   • Political tensions with Pakistan impact India’s engagement with SAARC.
   • Opportunities for India to enhance regional cooperation through bilateral and multilateral initiatives.