The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) came into existence more than two decades ago. However, continuing frictions and impediments have restrained its growth. As a result, it has, till date, remained a dwarf compared to numerous other regional organisations that sprang up in Asia and elsewhere after the end of the Cold War. In fact, as a result of its slow growth rate, it could never make its presence felt on the global stage to capture the much-needed attention of the world.

Major reasons for such stunted growth could be enumerated. First is the often-strained relationship between its two biggest members, India and Pakistan. Several times annual summits have not been held as scheduled, hampering the expected developments. On other occasions, political upheavals and social conflicts in some member states contributed to the postponement of the summits.

The absence of commonality of approach and interest in the region has also led to the organisation’s going astray from its primary objective of socio-economic betterment of the masses. To date, SAARC’s activities have remained in the peripheral areas of cooperation, although the SAFTA has already been implemented from January 1, 2006. But some conflicting issues have emerged between India and Pakistan in the SAFTA agreement as well, even when it has attracted several observers from around the world.

SAARC has as its members both developing and least developed countries with their own social and economic status marked by inequality and heterogeneity. The main challenge facing the society of every member state is the absence of practicable programmes at the regional level for socio-economic development and alleviation of grinding poverty in this region largely inhabited by poor people. Unless the component of equitable development is embraced as its primary element for integration process, no summit of any significance will be recorded as worthwhile. If nothing perceptible is done in this respect, people will even fail to notice its existence.

Presently, the dearth of credible achievements has made SAARC almost a non-performing regional entity with no cohesion among its members. Its big members are apparently attracted to other regional organisations of Asia. India with its “Look East” policy is seeking a deeper linkage with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on matters of trade and investment, while Pakistan has joined the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) based in Tehran for better connectivity on matters of trade, transportation, energy, etc. Both India and Pakistan have already assumed the status of observers in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It will be no big surprise if they join SCO in the future as prodded by their national interests.

In this age of complex interdependence, the regional integration process has come to stay. In such a context, the leadership of SAARC should not hesitate to explore the possibility of an observer status in at least ASEAN, SCO and ECO in order to learn from their integration process. All the three organisations are making collective progress on the fronts of trade, energy and security, which have now become the fundamental basis of every country’s development and national policy. Reluctance to work in this direction and learn from the experience of these organisations would be a missed opportunity for SAARC.

SAARC appears to be suffering from weaknesses of its organisational structure too. The present secretariat, which is manned only by bureaucratic diplomats, could hardly come up with bold ideas and appropriate programmes to enhance this regional organisation to a greater height for better performance and credibility. If the momentum of SAARC as a real achiever has to be accelerated with the changing times and needs of the whole region, its executive structure must be upgraded to a permanent political body wherein the politicians of known ability and knowledge — and who have high access to the top political brass of the South Asian nations — must represent their respective countries. This body needs to be assisted by recognised experts on regional integration process to be drawn from each country. The secretariat should implement the multi-faceted interests of the regional progress put forward by the political leadership in order to make SAARC an engine of regional development. Will the political leaders of SAARC give their ear to the requirements of the emerging situation?

The recent news that India is set to offer a special package for the least developed members during the forthcoming 14th SAARC summit to be held in New Delhi is a welcome indication. Such a gesture of magnanimity will go a long way towards ensuring regional development. Hopefully this would also push other member countries to follow suit.

Shrestha is ex-foreign ministry official