SAARC and BIMSTEC: India's efforts in regional co-operation

SAARC and BIMSTEC

India has been a long-time and active participant in regional organizations aimed at promoting cooperation and economic integration among neighbouring countries. Regional organizations are also incredibly strategic for India because they help in advocating for the welfare of people as well as for sharing close cultural and historical links among the South Asian Countries.

Two important organizations in which India plays a leading role are the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

What do these organizations do? How is India involved? And what implications do the troubling status of Pakistan and Sri Lanka affect these organizations? These are….the CORE questions.

SAARC- the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation- was established in 1985 and includes 8 members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The primary goal of SAARC is to promote regional cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, transport, energy, and culture. India has played a key role in the organization since its inception, hosting its first summit in 1985 and contributing significantly to its budget.

However, SAARC has faced several challenges over the years, including strained relations between India and Pakistan and Nepal's dissatisfaction with India's dominance within the organization. In recent years, the organization has struggled to make progress on key issues, such as the proposed South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).

In response to these challenges, India has increasingly looked to the Bay of Bengal region as a platform for regional cooperation. Which brings me to the next organization: BIMSTEC… (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), established in 1997, includes seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The organization's primary goal is to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states. India has been a driving force behind BIMSTEC, advocating for greater connectivity and economic cooperation among its members. One key area of focus for BIMSTEC has been the development of a transport network linking member states. The organization has proposed the creation of a "BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement," which would allow for the free movement of goods between member states along the Bay of Bengal. India has also proposed the creation of a BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement, which would allow for the free movement of passenger and commercial vehicles between member states. For more, watch the full video.

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