Regional Cooperation, Global Changes, SAARC and China

Abstract

[The significance of regional cooperation organizations, acting as a symbol of growing interdependence and mutual trust, has increased globally. However, in case of SAARC, both the conditions of interdependence and mutual respect have been lacking. While Pakistan India relations have often remained troubled, other countries in the region also do not have smooth relations with India – the dominant country within the grouping. Owing to this situation, SAARC has not been able to achieve its potential; although everything in SAARC, by no means, is gloomy. Overall, the prospects in the present setting do not look promising. Involvement of, and increased cooperation with  China, ideally full membership,  will indeed be beneficial for the whole region. Already having an observer status, China should seek an effective role in the form of 8+1, on the pattern of 10+1 or 10+3 of ASEAN while SAARC should make room for it. In the long run, the countries of SAARC will also have to find solutions of all outstanding political issues to fully benefit from potential of regional cooperation. – Eds.]