Why this matters now
SAARC is examined for its members, structure and the reasons for its paralysis — a case study in how bilateral tensions (India-Pakistan) can stall a consensus-based regional organisation, and why India has pivoted to alternative groupings.
Members and origin
SAARC was established at the first summit in Dhaka in 1985. Its eight members are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Afghanistan joined in 2007). The Secretariat is in Kathmandu. Decisions are taken by unanimity, and — crucially — bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from its deliberations.
Areas of cooperation
SAARC has frameworks for trade (SAFTA — the South Asian Free Trade Area), a development fund (SDF), a food bank, and cooperation in areas like disaster management, energy and a university (South Asian University in Delhi). India also launched a SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund in 2020.
Why SAARC stalled
The 2016 Islamabad summit was cancelled after India (following the Uri attack) and several members pulled out, and no summit has been held since. The deeper problems: the unanimity rule lets one member block progress, deep India-Pakistan hostility, low intra-regional trade, and trust deficits. India has since prioritised BIMSTEC (which excludes Pakistan and links South and South-East Asia) and bilateral “Neighbourhood First” engagement.
UPSC angle
Remember the 8 members, Kathmandu secretariat, unanimity + exclusion of bilateral issues, SAFTA, and the post-2016 paralysis driving India toward BIMSTEC.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are members of SAARC?
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — eight members.
When and where was SAARC founded?
At its first summit in Dhaka in 1985; its Secretariat is in Kathmandu.
Why has SAARC become dormant?
Because of the unanimity rule (one member can block progress) and deep India-Pakistan tensions — no summit has been held since the cancelled 2016 Islamabad summit.
What is India’s alternative to SAARC?
BIMSTEC, which excludes Pakistan and connects South Asia with South-East Asia, alongside bilateral Neighbourhood-First engagement.