New delhi: Escalating tensions during the recent major conflict that brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war have highlighted the crucial role of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The recent escalation between these two nuclear-armed neighbors, involving cross-border strikes and drone warfare, has severely jeopardized peace across South Asia, exacerbating regional instability in the absence of functional diplomatic platforms like SAARC.
According to SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SAARC has historically been instrumental in easing tensions among its member states, particularly between India and Pakistan, by facilitating dialogue and promoting peace. Since its inception, SAARC’s commitment to promoting trade and cooperation has been a cornerstone of its agenda. Historically, SAARC summits served as critical off-ramps during crises, such as the 1998 Colombo Summit, which facilitated the Lahore Agreement, and the 2002 Kathmandu Summit, which eased military standoffs after the Kargil conflict.
With a population of nearly two billion people, South Asia represents a vast market and an immense opportunity for collective growth. Yet, instead of harnessing this potential, countries in the region often become entangled in bilateral disputes, undermining regional prosperity. Alarmingly, around 50 percent of the region’s population continues to live in poverty, highlighting the need for renewed cooperation and shared development goals.
SAARC’s revival remains elusive, despite calls from leaders like S. Jaishankar, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and other member countries for its revitalization. Although all member countries maintain representatives at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal, the regional body remains largely ineffective. The postponement of the 19th SAARC Summit scheduled for 2016 in Islamabad marked a significant absence of dialogue among member states, leaving the organization’s apex bodies largely inactive.
SAARC has played a crucial role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among its member states. It was established in 1985 with the vision of bringing peace, prosperity, and people together across the region. While SAARC is still present on paper, its activities are not functioning at full potential. Agreements have been signed across multiple areas such as trade, health, education, and connectivity, but progress remains slow.
SAARC’s strength lies in building everyday trust through student exchanges, shared markets, and coordinated disaster responses. Initiatives like the South Asian University and health clinics supported by the SAARC Development Fund have made significant contributions to the region. However, these successes remain limited in reach. The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, which allows limited travel for businesspeople, issues just around 200 visas per country each year, highlighting the need for greater mobility.
More direct flights connecting all South Asian capitals could turn South Asia into a truly connected neighborhood, boosting tourism, dialogue, and shared economic opportunities. Despite political pauses, the foundation of SAARC is solid. Signed agreements on energy, connectivity, trade, and social development await fuller implementation.
There is hope for SAARC’s revival. Leaders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan have long supported the vision of SAARC. The challenge lies in political will, not structure. SAARC is built on a natural alliance formed by shared history, culture, and aspirations. It is a homegrown initiative designed by South Asians, for South Asians, to address the region’s distinct challenges and unlock its collective potential.
People of the region desire peace, opportunity, and the freedom to travel, learn, and work across borders. It’s time for SAARC to be reactivated, not just for governments but for the people it was meant to serve. When SAARC functions as envisioned, it embodies a common vision and thriving marketplaces, proving that the futures of South Asian people are interconnected.