Saarc and Regional Future: Role of India

SAARC was evolved as a new platform for cooperation and nation progress without harming anyone's interest. As we know all the members of SAARC have different political systems, different economies and strategic perceptions but at the same time they have common problems to face and solve.

India the key regional power in South Asia bears the larger responsibility in ‘SAARC ’. The country occupies an advanced and unchallenged position among the other states in South Asian subcontinent in terms of its political geography, strategic position, massive demography, superior military base and the huge reserve of natural resources. SAARC was established with the aim of bringing about some significant constitutional provisions for ensuring a comprehensive regional cooperative mechanism which would be consensual as well as future oriented ’.

During the recent years realizing the importance of regional cooperation and development SAARC members have now created a sense of accelerating regional economic development which led towards increasing the pace of cooperation among the member states. This cooperation can be seen in the establishment and initiation of various programmes. However the influence of India on the region has been described as hegemonic and has led to a sense of insecurity amongst small nations. Here are some serious constraints which are creating hurdles in the relationship between SAARC Members or nations.

One of the major hurdles in the way of cooperation among the SAARC members is the mistrust regarding mutual security perceptions and hostility. The most severe hurdle in regional cooperation within the framework of SAARC is the strained relationship between India and Pakistan. The member states lack trust in each other. In order to remove deep rooted mistrust smaller nations will also need to play their part in the resolution of all contentions issues there by bringing stability in the region. Pakistan and India, in particular, should seek to resolve their differences if the SAARC is to be effective.