SAARC

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

Origin in 1985

ð BD the main force

ð Opposing views of its implications

Members

ð seven since 1985

ð could/should more be added?

Agenda: Economy & Multilateral Issues

ð exclusion of security & bilateral issues

ð no associate forum for these even now

Unique Features

ð overwhelming dominance of India

ð all members share boundaries with India

ð intra-regional trade miniscule

ð SAPTA & SAFTA not acceptable to all

ð Sub-regional agreements growing

Reasons for poor performance

ð India’s predominance + arrogance

ð India-Pak rivalry

ð National politics & economic lobbies