ASSIGNMENT TOPIC-
“India, Pakistan and SAARC- Indo Pak
Relations and SAARC”
● Devashish Barua (Roll No-19)
● Course- M.A. Political Science
● Year- 2nd (3rd Sem)
● Subject- Transnational Actors in International Politics
● Submitted to- Professor Deepak K. Singh
Introduction
India and Pakistan share a long, complex, and often tumultuous history that dates back to their
simultaneous independence from British rule in 1947. Partition created two nations divided
along religious lines, leading to one of the largest and bloodiest migrations in human history.
This historical event not only shaped the socio-political landscape of both countries but also laid
the groundwork for a bitter rivalry that continues to influence their relations to this day.
Amid this backdrop, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was
established in 1985 to promote regional cooperation and development among its member
states—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
SAARC’s primary objectives are to foster mutual trust, improve economic integration, and
enhance the quality of life across South Asia, a region home to nearly a quarter of the world’s
population.
However, the enduring hostility between India and Pakistan has significantly undermined
SAARC’s potential. Bilateral disputes, particularly over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism,
have frequently derailed its initiatives, making it difficult for the organization to achieve its
objectives. This assignment explores the interplay between India-Pakistan relations and
SAARC, analyzing how their rivalry has impacted regional cooperation and highlighting possible
ways forward.
Historical Context of Indo-Pak Relations
The historical relationship between India and Pakistan is rooted in the partition of British India in
1947, a division that left deep scars on both nations. The process of partition was marred by
communal violence, the mass displacement of millions, and unresolved territorial disputes,
particularly over Jammu and Kashmir. The legacy of this partition continues to shape Indo-Pak
relations, which have been characterized by conflict and mistrust.
1. Early Conflicts (1947–1965): The first Indo-Pak war (1947–1948) broke out shortly after
independence, focusing on the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s support
for tribal militias and the subsequent intervention of Indian forces led to a United
Nations-mediated ceasefire, resulting in the division of Kashmir into two parts:
Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir.This
unresolved territorial dispute has remained a central issue in Indo-Pak relations.
2. War of 1965 and Growing Hostilities: In 1965, the two nations went to war again over
Kashmir. The conflict ended inconclusively but deepened animosities. The Tashkent
Agreement, brokered by the Soviet Union, aimed to restore peace but failed to resolve
underlying tensions.
3. 1971 War and Bangladesh’s Independence:The Indo-Pak conflict reached a turning
point in 1971 when India supported the Bengali independence movement in East
Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Pakistan perceived this as Indian
interference in its internal affairs, further straining bilateral relations.
4. Simla Agreement and Peace Efforts:Following the 1971 war, the Simla Agreement
(1972) sought to establish a framework for peaceful relations. However, mutual distrust
and the militarization of the Kashmir issue undermined its implementation.
5. Kashmir Insurgency and Kargil Conflict (1989–1999):In 1989, a separatist insurgency
erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India accused Pakistan of supporting.The
Kargil conflict (1999), fought in the aftermath of the nuclear tests by both nations in
1998, marked another low point. Pakistan’s intrusion into Indian territory near Kargil was
met with a strong Indian military response, further escalating tensions.
6. Terrorism and Post-2000 Developments:The 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament,
blamed on Pakistan-based groups, nearly led to war.Subsequent terrorist incidents,
including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, further hardened India’s stance against Pakistan.
Formation and Objectives of SAARC
Formation of SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formally established on
December 8, 1985, with the signing of its charter in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was conceived as a
platform to foster regional cooperation and accelerate economic growth, social progress, and
cultural development across South Asia.
The initiative for a regional organization was spearheaded by the then-President of Bangladesh,
Ziaur Rahman, in 1980, and was met with cautious optimism from neighboring countries. After a
series of consultations and preparatory meetings, the seven founding member
states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—came together
to formalize the association. Afghanistan joined as the eighth member in 2007, expanding
SAARC’s regional coverage.
SAARC was envisioned as a mechanism to transcend political differences and address common
challenges like poverty, underdevelopment, and illiteracy in a region that is home to about 1.9
billion people, one of the world’s most densely populated and economically disadvantaged
areas.
Objectives of SAARC
The SAARC charter outlines several key objectives aimed at fostering regional collaboration:
1. Promoting Economic Integration:Encouraging trade liberalization through initiatives like
the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) to facilitate intra-regional trade.Boosting
investment, technology transfer, and economic cooperation among member states.
2. Strengthening Social and Cultural Ties:Enhancing mutual understanding and respect for
cultural diversity.Supporting regional cultural and sporting events to foster a sense of
shared identity.
3. Addressing Poverty and Development Challenges:Focusing on poverty alleviation
through collective programs and knowledge-sharing.Launching initiatives such as the
SAARC Development Fund (SDF) for social development projects.
4. Environmental Sustainability:Collaborating on issues like climate change, disaster
management, and sustainable development.Implementing frameworks like the SAARC
Disaster Management Centre.
5. Promoting Peace and Stability:Encouraging dialogue and confidence-building measures
to reduce tensions among member states.Facilitating regional discussions on shared
security challenges like terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
India-Pakistan Relations and Their Impact on SAARC
The longstanding hostility between India and Pakistan has been a major obstacle to the
functioning and success of SAARC. The bilateral tensions between these two countries have
often spilled over into the multilateral platform, stifling cooperation and progress.
Key Issues in India-Pakistan Relations Affecting SAARC
1. Kashmir Dispute:The unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains the central point
of conflict between India and Pakistan. This territorial dispute has frequently diverted
attention from SAARC’s developmental agenda, as both nations prioritize their own
political and strategic goals over regional cooperation.
2. Cross-Border Terrorism:India has accused Pakistan of supporting and harboring terrorist
groups responsible for attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the
2016 Uri attack. These accusations have led to a breakdown in bilateral relations and
disrupted the collective functioning of SAARC.
3. SAARC Summits Stalled by Indo-Pak Rivalry:SAARC’s effectiveness is heavily reliant on
the participation of all member states. However, Indo-Pak tensions have frequently
delayed or canceled summits.Example: The 19th SAARC Summit, scheduled to be held
in Islamabad in 2016, was boycotted by India following the Uri attack. Other countries
like Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Bangladesh followed suit, leading to its cancellation.
4. Economic Disparities and Trade Barriers:India, as the largest economy in the region, has
pushed for trade liberalization through SAFTA. However, Pakistan has resisted full trade
integration due to political mistrust, particularly regarding India’s economic dominance in
the region.
5. Pakistan’s Allegations of Indian Dominance:Pakistan often perceives India’s role in
SAARC as hegemonic, accusing it of sidelining smaller member states and using the
platform to isolate Pakistan.
Achievements and Limitations of SAARC
Achievements of SAARC
1. Economic Cooperation and Trade Initiatives:The establishment of the South Asian Free
Trade Area (SAFTA) in 2006 marked a significant step toward trade liberalization.
Despite challenges, SAFTA has facilitated modest growth in intra-regional trade, which
accounts for approximately 5% of the region’s total trade.Initiatives like the SAARC
Development Fund (SDF) have supported projects in areas such as poverty alleviation,
women empowerment, and renewable energy.
2. Cultural and Social Exchange:SAARC has encouraged regional unity through initiatives
like the SAARC Festival of Literature and sports events such as the SAARC Golf
Championship. These activities have fostered goodwill among member
states.Collaborative programs in education, such as the SAARC Chair Fellowship
Scheme, have promoted academic exchanges and research.
3. Collaborative Efforts in Health and Disaster Management:SAARC has coordinated
regional responses to health challenges, including the establishment of the SAARC
Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre.It has also initiated disaster management strategies
through the SAARC Disaster Management Centre, enhancing member states’
preparedness for natural disasters.
4. Observer States and Global Recognition:The inclusion of observer states like China, the
USA, and the European Union has increased SAARC’s global visibility and provided
opportunities for external partnerships.
Limitations of SAARC
1. Political Rivalries Dominating the Agenda:The longstanding conflict between India and
Pakistan has often stalled SAARC’s progress. The 2016 cancellation of the SAARC
Summit exemplifies how bilateral disputes can paralyze the organization.
2. Weak Institutional Framework:Unlike the European Union or ASEAN, SAARC lacks
strong institutional mechanisms to enforce agreements and ensure compliance among
member states.The absence of a conflict resolution mechanism has made it difficult for
SAARC to address disputes effectively.
3. Low Intra-Regional Trade:Despite the establishment of SAFTA, intra-regional trade
remains low due to protectionist policies, non-tariff barriers, and mistrust among member
states. For example, Pakistan has restricted trade with India, hindering economic
integration.
4. Overreliance on Bilateral Relations:SAARC’s success often depends on the cooperation
between India and Pakistan. When relations between these two countries sour, the
entire organization suffers.
5. Shift to Alternative Platforms:Frustrated with SAARC’s inefficiency, many member states
have focused on other organizations like BIMSTEC, which excludes Pakistan, or bilateral
agreements to advance their interests.
5. Alternatives and Way Forward for Regional Cooperation
1. Reviving Dialogue Between India and Pakistan:Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)
such as reopening trade routes, enhancing people-to-people contacts, and cultural
exchanges can help reduce tensions.Resuming dialogue on contentious issues like
Kashmir through Track II diplomacy or third-party mediation could create a more
conducive environment for SAARC’s success.
2. Strengthening SAARC’s Institutional Framework:SAARC needs a robust conflict
resolution mechanism to address political disputes among member states.Enhancing the
secretariat’s capacity to monitor and enforce agreements would improve accountability
and implementation.
3. Expanding Economic Cooperation:Member states should prioritize reducing non-tariff
barriers and streamlining customs procedures to boost intra-regional trade.Launching
joint infrastructure projects, such as regional connectivity initiatives, could benefit all
member states.
4. Focusing on Non-Political Areas:SAARC could emphasize areas like health, education,
and disaster management, which are less contentious and have a direct impact on the
region’s population.Collaborative efforts to address climate change and renewable
energy could foster unity among member states.
5. Leveraging Observer States:Observer states like China, the USA, and the EU could
provide technical and financial support to SAARC initiatives.Engaging these states in
specific projects, such as cross-border infrastructure development, could help overcome
funding challenges.
6. Alternative Platforms for Cooperation:If political tensions persist, member states might
consider focusing on other platforms like BIMSTEC or expanding the scope of BBIN
(Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Initiative) to promote regional cooperation without
being hindered by Indo-Pak rivalries.
Conclusion
India-Pakistan relations and their rivalry have deeply influenced SAARC’s trajectory since its
inception. While the organization was established with ambitious goals of fostering economic
integration and regional cooperation, these goals remain largely unfulfilled due to persistent
political tensions. The Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism, and allegations of dominance
have overshadowed SAARC’s potential as a platform for collective growth.
Despite its limitations, SAARC has achieved modest successes in areas like cultural exchange,
health cooperation, and disaster management. However, its future depends on resolving or
mitigating the Indo-Pak rivalry and focusing on non-political areas where consensus is more
achievable. Strengthening SAARC’s institutional mechanisms and exploring alternative
frameworks like BIMSTEC may also provide avenues for regional collaboration.
Ultimately, the vision of a united and prosperous South Asia hinges on the willingness of its
member states, especially India and Pakistan, to prioritize collective development over bilateral
disputes. While challenges persist, the shared history, culture, and economic potential of the
region offer hope for a brighter, more cooperative future.
References
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● Dash, K. C. (2008). Regionalism in South Asia: Negotiating Cooperation, Institutional
Structures. Routledge.
● Ganguly, S. (2001). Conflict Unending: India-Pakistan Tensions Since 1947. Columbia
University Press.
● Rizvi, G. (1993). “South Asia in a Changing International Order.” International Affairs,
69(1), 69–87.
● Kumar, S., & Choudhury, R. N. (2014). “SAARC: Achievements, Failures, and the Way
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