Hindu Editorial Analysis : 7-September-2024

Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, has emphasized the importance of reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He believes that this eight-member organization can address many pressing issues in the region. However, SAARC has faced numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness.

SAARC’s Dormancy

The last SAARC summit took place in 2014 in Nepal. The 2016 summit was canceled due to political tensions following a terrorist attack in India, with several countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan, choosing not to participate. Many South Asian leaders now recognize the urgent need for SAARC to become active again to tackle regional issues such as security, economic cooperation, and humanitarian crises like the Rohingya refugee situation.

Reasons for SAARC’s Failures

  1. Lack of Political Will
    • Member states often prioritize their national interests over regional cooperation.
    • There is a lack of commitment to resolving conflicts.
  2. Structural Weakness
    • SAARC requires unanimous consent for decisions, which can lead to deadlock.
    • Political differences, particularly between India and Pakistan, hinder progress.
  3. Economic Disparities
    • Significant economic differences exist among member countries.
    • India’s dominance creates resentment among smaller nations.
  4. Limited Scope of Cooperation
    • SAARC has struggled with crucial areas like security and trade.
    • Agreements like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) have not been fully implemented.
  5. External Influence
    • The involvement of powers like China and the U.S. complicates regional dynamics.
    • Initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative divert focus from SAARC.
  6. Internal Conflicts and Political Instability
    • Countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh face internal issues that undermine cooperation.

Need for SAARC Revival

  1. Regional Cooperation for Peace and Security
    • A functional SAARC can foster diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution.
    • Addressing security issues like terrorism is crucial for stability.
  2. Economic Integration and Development
    • South Asia is one of the least economically integrated regions.
    • Reviving SAARC can boost trade and investment, leading to job creation and poverty reduction.
  3. Addressing Common Challenges
    • The region faces shared problems like climate change and food security.
    • A stronger SAARC could coordinate efforts to tackle these issues.
  4. Rohingya and Refugee Crisis
    • Regional cooperation is essential for managing humanitarian crises like the Rohingya situation.
  5. Geopolitical Balance
    • Reviving SAARC could help member countries balance external influences, promoting autonomy.
  6. Leveraging Global Forums
    • A revitalized SAARC could give South Asia a stronger voice in global matters.

India’s Role and Contribution

India has shown support for SAARC through initiatives like the South Asian Satellite and South Asian University. However, it is also focusing on interregional initiatives, which highlights the necessity for SAARC to revitalize itself to stay relevant in today’s changing geopolitical landscape.

Why In News

Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for the revival of the “spirit of SAARC,” stressing that the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can solve many of the region’s pressing issues, including poverty, security, and environmental challenges that require collective action and collaboration among member states.

MCQs about The Need for Reviving SAARC

  1. What was a significant reason for the cancellation of the 2016 SAARC Summit?
    A. Lack of funding
    B. A terrorist attack in India
    C. A natural disaster
    D. Disagreements on trade policies
    Correct Answer: B. A terrorist attack in India
    Explanation: The 2016 SAARC Summit was canceled following the Uri terrorist attack in India, which led several countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan, to withdraw their participation.
  2. Which of the following is a major challenge faced by SAARC?
    A. Excessive funding
    B. Overlapping political interests
    C. Lack of political will among member states
    D. Strong regional unity
    Correct Answer: C. Lack of political will among member states
    Explanation: One of the primary challenges for SAARC is that member states often prioritize their national interests over regional cooperation, resulting in a lack of political commitment.
  3. What area has SAARC been particularly successful in, according to the essay?
    A. Military cooperation
    B. Health and education
    C. Space exploration
    D. Cybersecurity
    Correct Answer: B. Health and education
    Explanation: while SAARC has struggled with critical areas like security and trade, it has seen some success in areas such as health, education, and disaster management.
  4. Why is regional cooperation considered crucial for addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis?
    A. It promotes military intervention
    B. It helps in coordinating humanitarian efforts
    C. It allows for individual nations to take unilateral action
    D. It increases economic competition
    Correct Answer: B. It helps in coordinating humanitarian efforts
    Explanation: The regional cooperation is vital for managing humanitarian crises like the Rohingya situation, as it enables discussions on repatriation and resource-sharing among member states.

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