India has once again underlined its commitment to regional cooperation while asserting that the prolonged inactivity of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the result of the actions of a single member state, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
The remarks were made by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly media briefing after he was asked about recent calls to revive SAARC. He said India has always supported regional integration and cooperation, but such efforts can only succeed when countries uphold the principles of trust, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaiswal stated that countries across South Asia are well aware of which nation and which activities have prevented SAARC from functioning effectively over the years. He stressed that meaningful regional cooperation cannot progress in an environment affected by terrorism and the absence of mutual confidence.
India’s response comes after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called for renewed efforts to revitalise SAARC and encouraged member nations to resolve their differences through dialogue. Speaking during the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, Muizzu said the regional grouping should regain its momentum to promote greater economic cooperation, connectivity and development across South Asia.
SAARC comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the organisation has remained largely inactive in recent years due to persistent political and security differences among member states. India has maintained that cross-border terrorism has prevented the creation of a conducive environment necessary for meaningful regional cooperation.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that cross-border terrorism and the lack of a conducive atmosphere for cooperation remain the principal reasons for the regional bloc’s inability to resume normal activities. In recent years, India has increasingly focused on other regional and sub-regional initiatives, including BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Region framework, while continuing to support cooperation among South Asian nations based on peace, security and mutual trust.
India’s latest comments indicate that although several neighbouring countries favour reviving SAARC, New Delhi believes meaningful progress will only be possible when the underlying security concerns affecting regional cooperation are adequately addressed.