India and the SAARC nations, the roadmap ahead

India and the SAARC nations, the roadmap ahead

SAARC has gained importance suddenly, when PM Modi invited the head of SAARC states to his swearing-in ceremony. And their presence has opened the road ahead.
India did not actively take part in this grouping for a long time. India was apprehensive about its motives, although had India taken a more accommodative big-brother step in the past, it would not have to struggle with its bilateral relations today. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was created in 1985 on the initiative of the former President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rehman.

Amongst the many bilateral ties, foremost was the South Asian Free Trade Agreement that wanted to bring a phased tariff liberalisation amongst SAARC members with greater commitment for the least developed nations. There are many more opportunities ahead, than only economic gains. The smaller nation are underdeveloped and face major problems of climate change, they lack in fund and technology. Some states have tumultuous political conditions. Two states of the group have nuclear capabilities, which make it a group of world importance as well. That is one of the reason, why many developed states want to be a part of this group and are presently given an observer status.

For India this grouping is a gift in disguise, to assure that there is no rise of China in the region. Certain leading economists are also projecting that in the next three decades South Asia can emerge as a second largest economic powerhouse in the world, after China. SAARC nations share their border with India and hence India has an advantage and direct benefit. India can mend its relation with other states on issues like water sharing or boundary disputes. SAARC provides a perfect platform. India should understand that giving away currently wont undermine its power status, but will create friends for a long-lasting friendship, which is an important role given the current world scenario. China has already established its relations with Pakistan and is already moving in for relations with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Also, China’s policy like ‘strings of pearls’ is a threat for India. To revert back on these India needs a backing of its neighbours. India will surely not want to loose its territory of South Asia to an outsider (China).

“We can choose our friends, but not our neighbours”, said former PM Manmohan Singh. SAARC is an apt example to understand this adage.
India can evolve a South Asian Fraternity based on the successful model of the ASEAN . It is high time, that India sit back and watch. The phenomenal success of a neighbouring group is an example and motivation to move in this direction.

It is not only a power game for India in SAARC, but it is a win-win situation for all. The record of most of the countries of South Asia on health and education is quite shameful. The region is wasting its scarce resources by spending more on security and conflicts. A common security architecture with trust can help in diverting this spending to improve health, education and other social indicators of the poor nations.

Irrespective of SAARC's performance, it would be at South Asia's peril to take SAARC as a framework which has little to offer. It is in favour of all countries to revive this group, and present the world with a regional identity.