Bangladesh seeks Pakistan’s assistance to revive Saarc, which has been dormant since 2016 due to India’s objections over Pakistan’s support of terrorism. While Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus explores this revival for economic benefits, India remains disinterested amid its ongoing struggle against cross-border terrorism.
In recent discussions, Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, engaged with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore avenues for reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). The grouping, which has remained inactive since 2016, faces challenges primarily due to India’s reservations stemming from Pakistan’s alleged support of terrorism. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to rejuvenate Saarc, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has articulated India’s stance that participation is untenable in an environment where cross-border terror persists. This dynamic has shifted with Bangladesh’s recent approach under Yunus’s leadership, as the government seeks to breathe new life into regional cooperation for economic reasons, motivated primarily by the economic dilemmas both nations face.
Saarc was established on December 8, 1985, with the aim of promoting regional integration and cooperation among South Asian countries, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The grouping has been largely dormant since 2016, when India withdrew from the Saarc summit following the Uri attack, which highlighted Pakistan’s involvement in supporting terrorism. Since then, India’s position has consistently reflected a refusal to engage in talks with Pakistan while terrorism remains a threat. However, under the current government led by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is attempting to repair its relations with Pakistan and foster economic opportunities within the framework of Saarc. Both nations view reviving this organization as essential for addressing their economic challenges and enhancing trade relations, despite India’s absence.
The revival of Saarc is increasingly emphasized by Bangladesh and Pakistan as economic necessity looms amidst their respective financial struggles. In contrast, India remains unyielding in its stance against any engagement with a member state perceived to sponsor terrorism. While both Bangladesh and Pakistan are keen on rekindling Saarc, India’s reluctance complicates the potential for renewed cooperation within the grouping, casting uncertainty over its future prospects.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
