The Failure of 'SAARC' Forced India to Strengthen BIMSTEC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 with the goal of fostering regional integration and cooperation among its member states, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite its ambitious objectives, SAARC has encountered numerous obstacles that have undermined its effectiveness as a regional cooperative body. A significant turning point in this trajectory was the indefinite suspension of the 19th SAARC summit, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2016, which marked a low point for the organization. This failure has prompted India to seek alternative platforms for regional cooperation, leading to a strengthening of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Political Deadlock in SAARC

One of the primary reasons for SAARC’s inefficacy has been the political deadlock caused by the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan. This rivalry has led to frequent standstills within the organization, hindering progress on key initiatives. For example, the SAARC–Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA), which aimed to facilitate cross-border movement of vehicles among member countries, faced delays due to opposition from Pakistan. Similarly, the proposed SAARC satellite project, designed to provide a regional communication platform, stalled because of political disagreements. These deadlocks have prevented SAARC from achieving its goals and delivering tangible benefits to its member states.

Strategic Interest in BIMSTEC

In response to the limitations of SAARC, India has increasingly turned its attention to BIMSTEC, which stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Unlike SAARC, BIMSTEC encompasses countries from both South Asia and Southeast Asia, making it a more expansive platform for regional cooperation. India’s shift towards BIMSTEC aligns with its ‘Act East Policy,’ which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and enhance its strategic presence in the region.

Economic and Technical Cooperation

BIMSTEC provides a platform for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation, which is more focused and practical compared to SAARC’s broad and often ambiguous objectives. The Bay of Bengal region has significant economic potential, and BIMSTEC aims to harness this through collaborative efforts in sectors such as trade, transportation, and technology. For instance, BIMSTEC has worked on initiatives to improve connectivity through infrastructure projects like highways and ports, which are crucial for regional economic growth. This focus on economic development and technical cooperation has made BIMSTEC a more attractive platform for India, which is keen to boost regional trade and investment.

Geopolitical Considerations

From a geopolitical standpoint, strengthening BIMSTEC allows India to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. China has been actively involved in South and Southeast Asia through various initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By investing in BIMSTEC, India not only enhances its own strategic position but also helps to build a regional coalition that can collectively address external influences and promote regional stability. BIMSTEC’s broader membership and focus on practical cooperation make it a strategic asset for India in maintaining its influence and ensuring that regional policies align with its interests.

the failure of SAARC to fulfill its potential and address the regional challenges effectively has led India to recalibrate its regional strategy by investing in BIMSTEC. The political deadlock within SAARC, combined with the strategic and economic advantages offered by BIMSTEC, has made it a more viable platform for regional cooperation. By focusing on BIMSTEC, India aims to foster stronger economic ties, enhance regional connectivity, and bolster its strategic position in the face of growing global dynamics.