Role of saarc in strengthening the relationship between India and Pakistan: A critical analysis Paul Sonatan Guest Lecturer, Saraighat College, Kamrup. Abstract It was in 1985 that the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation was formed in Dhaka by seven countries comprising— Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Each of these countries had a specific set of expectations—some bilateral and some regional—from the association which were influenced by their political, economic and historical circumstances and situations. With time, these expectations and apprehensions have changed with the regional and international, political and economic environment undergoing transformation. India and Pakistan in particular had joined with more apprehension rather than expectation. Pakistan, in fact used the opportunity for fulfilling its foreign policy aims, particularly with regard to India. In this there has been a consistency in its approach. Further, SAARC's numerous meetings, including the summit meetings provided an opportunity for Pakistan to develop closer ties with all the member countries specially with India which would not have been otherwise possible. The SAARC platform has facilitated a continuous and constant interaction with the other member countries of the Association. Meanwhile SAARC also gave Pakistan a chance to use grievances of other countries against India to justify its anti- India stand. On the other hand, SAARC and its numerous activities, in a sense, have kept Pakistan engaged positively in South Asia and specifically with India. This, in a situation where the relations between the two countries were strained and would not allow interaction at the bilateral level without drawing severe criticism from certain domestic quarters. However, the same criticism is toned down to a certain extent when the interaction takes place at a regional level through a regional framework in the name of a regional organisation like SAARC. This helped to moderate Pakistan's views on co-operation with India and other member countries and a section of the intelligentsia there has been able to appreciate this interaction. This paper will appraise the SAARC, its formation and objectives and to identify the barriers and impediments which prevent the organisation from achieving its true potential and being as successful negotiation Indo-pak relationship. The paper will conclude with a recommended approach, for its SAARC member states, which might help the organisation, to not only achieve its objectives, but also present itself as a viable and effective regional organisation. Top Keywords Organization, cooperation, summits, rivalries, issues and remedial measures. Top |