SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, has never been able to go past the rhetoric and declarations that are signed by member nations during its summits. This regional forum, which is in its 29th year of its existence, has failed to deliver so far with member countries with indulging in just 5% of their global trade within this bloc. There were great hopes at this SAARC Summit that finally the leaders of South Asia region would realize the importance of cooperation and take important decisions to enhance and boost trade relations. However, the constant friction between two of its major players, India and Pakistan, has made sure that this Summit will also fail like the previous editions of SAARC.
Pakistan blocks trade pacts initiated by India
Pakistan stalled signing of three major pacts that were agreed upon by the rest of the member nations of SARRC. These pacts were related to road connectivity, railway connectivity, and energy sharing between SAARC countries. But Pakistan has chosen to stall these pacts by saying that its internal processes are not complete. Everyone knows the reason for this no by Pakistan. It has strained relations with India on the issue of Kashmir. Recent cancellation of secretary level talks by India and subsequent ceasefire violation by both sides has escalated these tensions further. Instead of agreeing to trade pacts between SAARC nations, Sharif is insisting on roping in China as a member of SAARC. This has been objected to by not just India, but other SAARC countries also.
All eyes on informal meeting of the leaders today
All the heads of states are today meeting again for a retreat session at a resort in Dhulikhel, 40km away from Kathmandu. This will be a more relaxed and informal meeting where the leaders are expected to raise the issue of singing of trade pacts with Pakistan. There is pressure on these leaders to have something to show for this summit as they know that SAARC is doomed to fail if they do not show determination and resolve to their people. SAARC is home to nearly 1/4th of humanity with this region being the least developed and interconnected.
Modi warns that members will move on without a consensus
PM Modi expressed his disappointment at the stalling of the pacts by Pakistan. However, he said, “We will move to enhance our bonds with South Asia together if we can, if not with those who are ready for it”. This is a clear signal to Pakistan that all other members of SAARC will move ahead with bilateral agreements if Pakistan did not come on board. “The bonds will grow, through SAARC or outside it. Among us all or some of us, said Modi while addressing the audience in his address. Interestingly, all the three trade pacts on connectivity have been initiated by India.
There was no bonhomie between Modi and Sharif during the inaugural session of the summit. One could see the strain in the relations between Pakistan and India in the stiff body language and stern faces of Modi and Sharif. There was no warm handshake and exchange of greetings which is a clear indication that all is not well between the countries. Modi had bilateral meetings with the premiers of all member nations except Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.
SAARC is a consensus based forum. This means that unless all member countries agree, no pact or agreement can be signed. If Pakistan sticks to its stance and does not give in to the pressure being mounted on him, this 18th summit of SAARC will ends as a no show. All hopes of a consensus on trade pacts now hinge upon the informal talks between leaders of SAARC countries at the retreat later today.
Related Posts
About Sanjay Tandon
Sanjay Tandon is a graduate engineer from IIT Varanasi. He has been writing as a freelancer for many years. He loves to write on various niches. He is passionate about politics and economy and spends his free time watching news channels. He is also an expert on relationships.
