India’s Strategic Stance Against Reviving SAARC Amid Growing Geopolitical Tensions

In recent developments, India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a decisive message regarding the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The geopolitical landscape, shaped by factors such as terrorism, diplomacy, and regional alliances, has resulted in India taking a strong position against the renewal of SAARC, particularly when considering Pakistan’s involvement.

India’s Firm Stand on SAARC

India has consistently opposed reviving SAARC, largely due to Pakistan’s ongoing ties with terrorism. The terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan have long destabilized not just India but also Afghanistan. Although countries like Nepal and Bangladesh have shown interest in resuming SAARC meetings, India has strategically blocked such moves, emphasizing security concerns. As Jaishankar remarked during the UNGA, any effort to revive SAARC must account for the threat posed by terrorism, and India refuses to engage in any regional cooperation that includes Pakistan under current conditions.

SAARC: A Struggling Organization

Since its inception, SAARC aimed to promote economic and regional integration across South Asia. However, the organization’s momentum has faltered over the years, particularly after the 2016 Uri terrorist attacks, which saw India withdraw from SAARC meetings. Since then, no formal SAARC summit has occurred, with the group being largely dormant due to India’s absence.

While smaller countries like Nepal and Bangladesh may not fully grasp the scale of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, India has made it clear that until Pakistan addresses its links to terrorism, SAARC’s revival will remain off the table. As of now, India has shifted focus to alternative alliances, such as the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

The Role of BIMSTEC: A New Dawn?

With SAARC on the backburner, India has turned its attention to BIMSTEC, a regional organization that excludes Pakistan and includes countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. During his trip to New York, Jaishankar met with foreign ministers from these nations, highlighting BIMSTEC’s importance in fostering regional cooperation without the impediment of terrorism. The group is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to SAARC, offering economic and security benefits to its member states.

India’s approach to BIMSTEC is a clear indication of its desire to build strong regional ties with countries that do not pose security threats. This strategy allows India to continue playing a leading role in South Asian diplomacy while sidestepping the issues associated with SAARC.

Geopolitical Equations at Play

While SAARC continues to languish, the geopolitical situation between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh remains delicate. Notably, during the UNGA, Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Bangladesh’s caretaker Prime Minister were also present in New York. However, there were no formal meetings between Indian officials and their Bangladeshi counterparts, reflecting the current tension in bilateral relations. Although India maintains strong trade and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, the lack of high-level meetings signals that all is not well between the two nations.

At the same time, India is walking a fine line with its relations with Nepal and Bangladesh, two countries that have benefited significantly from Indian aid. While these countries advocate for SAARC’s revival, India’s refusal stems from its security-first approach, particularly concerning Pakistan’s role.

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The Future of South Asian Diplomacy

India’s refusal to engage in SAARC may signal a shift in the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. As countries like Bangladesh and Nepal push for regional integration, India remains firm in its stance against involving Pakistan. However, India has shown openness to working within frameworks like BIMSTEC, which could emerge as the dominant platform for regional diplomacy and cooperation.

This transition reflects India’s broader strategy of aligning with countries that share its vision of security and economic growth, without the shadow of terrorism. The emphasis on BIMSTEC over SAARC underscores the changing priorities of South Asian geopolitics, with India positioning itself as a leader in this new era of regional cooperation.

Conclusion

India’s strategic decision to block the revival of SAARC, in light of the region’s complex geopolitical tensions, reflects its firm stance on combating terrorism and maintaining national security. As Pakistan continues to be a destabilizing force in the region, India has chosen to focus on alternative alliances like BIMSTEC, fostering cooperation with countries that share its vision for peace and stability. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, India’s role as a key player in South Asian diplomacy will continue to grow, shaping the future of the region.