Question

SAARC is often overshadowed by India-Pakistan tensions. In this Context, Critically analyze whether India should give more preference to BIMSTEC as compared to SAARC.

Answer 1

Approach:

1. Discuss about the futility in reviving the SAARC.
2. List out the difference between SAARC and BIMSTEC.
3. India’s approach towards BIMSTEC.
4. Possible impact of the change in approach of India.
5. Make an appropriate conclusion.

Revival of SAARC:
SAARC is a regional organization with the objective of improving the quality of life in the member countries by fostering self-reliance, promoting mutual assistance, and strengthening collaboration with other regional and international organisations. In spite of the existence of the organisation for more than three decades no tangible economic or political changes made in the region. The conflicting interest of the members and menace of State sponsered terrorism has derailed the SAARC. This makes the revival of the SAARC more difficult and a futile exercise.

SAARC Vs BIMSTEC:
SAARC is a more structured organisation while the BIMSTEC is a flexible organisation. Some of the important features of both organisations are

SAARC

• Centered in the South Asian region.
• Product of the cold war era.
• Presence of mistrust and suspicion between members.
• Asymmetric power balance.
• Inter regional trade is below 5%

BIMSTEC:

• Centered around the South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Post cold war organization.
• Members maintain reasonable friendly relation.
• Balance of power.
• Rising in interregional trade.

India’s approach towards BIMSTEC:
India’s views BIMSTEC as an alternative to SAARC to improve the regional cooperation. Most of the members of the SAARC are also part of the BIMSTEC with exception of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives. Afghan and Maldives can be approached through bilateral actions. The BIMSTEC will act a bridge connecting India with Southeast Asia. Moreover the Indian Act East policy is also in line with these developments. The development of the connectivity projects like trilateral highway will increase the economic integration of South Asia with the South East Asia. BIMSTEC will also help in the smooth implementation of the trade agreement like RCEP.

Possible impact of the change in approach: The change in the approach in the regional grouping will have a number of economic and geopolitical impact on India and others in the region. Some of the impacts are

• Better trade relations with Southeast Asia.
• Development in Northeast Indian states.
• Isolation of Pakistan in the region.
• Increased connectivity and people to people relations.

Conclusion:
Lack of trust and suspicions between members has derailed the SAARC. At the same time the BIMSTEC is considered as an alternative to the SAARC. Though it seems necessary in the short term, India should make steps to revive the SAARC. The isolation of the Pakistan further increases its hatred against India. In this sphere SAARC has to look into the success of the ASEAN which is one among the successful regional organisations. Thus India has to make a balance between the SAARC and BIMSTEC.