Question

How is the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) a major regional initiative by South Asian states to evolve co-operation through multilateral means? Assess.

Answer 1

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral measures, such as:

1. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade (SAFTA) agreement, which promised the creation of a free trade zone including all of South Asia.
2. Despite a history of war and violence between India and Pakistan, efforts have been made to control tensions and build peace. The two countries have agreed to implement confidence-building measures to reduce the risk of war.
3. Although Sino-Indian relations have improved over the past ten years, China's strategic partnership with Pakistan continues to be a source of contention. The demands of development and globalisation have pulled the two Asian giants closer together, and their economic links have grown quickly since 1991.