Kathmandu: As the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) approaches its 40th anniversary, the organization’s relevance and effectiveness are under intense scrutiny. Established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, SAARC was envisioned as a platform for regional cooperation aimed at uplifting one of the world’s most populous yet economically challenged regions.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the founding Charter of SAARC emphasized poverty alleviation, quality-of-life improvement, trust-building, and collective welfare. However, four decades later, these objectives remain unfulfilled, with SAARC largely dormant and struggling to achieve the vision set forth by its founding leaders.
Regional organizations worldwide have demonstrated the transformative power of structured cooperation, such as ASEAN and the European Union, which have evolved into cohesive blocs. In contrast, SAARC, representing over one-quarter of the world’s population, has been unable to realize its economic potential. The last SAARC Summit took place in Nepal in 2014, and the organization has since been effectively stalled.
The former Secretary-General, Arjun Bahadur Thapa, has described SAARC as being in a state of deep dormancy, highlighting the need to address mutual mistrust among member states. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H. Hashmi, acknowledged that SAARC has succeeded in building a shared South Asian identity but noted the absence of political leadership needed to guide new projects and revive initiatives. Ambassador Hashmi emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to host the next Summit, contingent on unanimous participation from all member states.
Bilateral tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, have been a persistent obstacle to SAARC’s progress. Cross-border terrorism and political mistrust have stalled consensus and hindered the convening of Summits, as unanimity is required for decisions within SAARC. This consensus requirement has allowed bilateral disputes to freeze regional cooperation, with India’s refusal to attend the 2016 Islamabad Summit exemplifying this challenge.
Domestic political issues across member states have further hampered regional collaboration. Afghanistan’s political transformation, Nepal’s internal instability, Bangladesh’s political polarization, Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, and the Maldives’ foreign-policy shifts have all contributed to weakened regional cooperation. Former Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya has emphasized that political differences should not obstruct economic activities and developmental initiatives within SAARC.
Despite challenges, SAARC’s cooperative efforts have expanded into areas such as agriculture, technology, energy, and disaster management. Secretary-General Golam Sarwar has highlighted moments of solidarity, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidence of SAARC’s enduring spirit. However, the organization’s fundamental goal of improving the lives of nearly two billion South Asians remains hindered by political paralysis.
The absence of regular Summits has deprived SAARC of visibility and strategic direction, reinforcing South Asia’s status as one of the least integrated regions globally. Yet, there is a growing recognition that cooperation is essential to address interconnected challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic shocks.
Despite setbacks, SAARC remains the only platform uniting all South Asian states. Its Charter envisions a peaceful and interconnected region, and for SAARC to regain relevance, political leadership must embrace the institution’s founding spirit. With renewed commitment and practical engagement, the dream of a more integrated and prosperous South Asia can still be realized.