SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - UPSC Notes

Table of Contents

1.     SAARC Overview

2.     SAARC Countries

3.     Objectives of SAARC

4.     SAARC Full Form

5.     Functions of SAARC

6.     SAARC Highlights

7.     Latest News

8.     History of SAARC

9.     Principles of SAARC

10.                        Structure of SAARC

11.                        Achievements of SAARC

12.                        Importance of SAARC

13.                        India and SAARC Relations

14.                        Role of SAARC - Impact on Indian Economy

15.                        SAARC Development Fund (SDF)

16.                        Challenges to SAARC

17.                        SAARC UPSC

18.                        Relevant Articles, Statutory Laws, and Case Laws

19.                        MCQs for UPSC Exam Preparation

20.                        Key Points

1. SAARC Overview

SAARC stands for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It was established on December 8, 1985, to promote economic and regional integration. The headquarters of SAARC is in Kathmandu, Nepal.

2. SAARC Countries

SAARC consists of eight member countries:

• Afghanistan (joined in 2007)
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

There are also nine observer states:

• Australia
• China
• European Union (EU)
• Iran
• Japan
• Mauritius
• Myanmar
• South Korea
• United States

3. Objectives of SAARC

The objectives of SAARC as defined in its charter are:

• To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia.
• To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
• To strengthen collective self-reliance.
• To enhance mutual trust and understanding among member countries.
• To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields.
• To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

4. SAARC Full Form

The full form of SAARC is South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

5. Functions of SAARC

• Promoting the welfare of South Asia's population.
• Accelerating economic growth and social progress.
• Strengthening self-reliance among South Asian countries.
• Enhancing mutual trust and understanding.
• Promoting active collaboration in various fields such as economy, society, culture, and technology.

6. SAARC Highlights

• Established: December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Secretary-General: Esala Ruwan Weerakoon (Sri Lanka) since March 1, 2020.
• Specialized Bodies: South Asian University (India), SAARC Development Fund (Bhutan), SAARC Arbitration Council (Pakistan), South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

7. Latest News

• COVID-19 Initiatives: Creation of a Coronavirus Emergency Fund and collaboration on vaccination efforts.
• Virtual Meetings: Discussions on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to combat it.
• Health Cooperation: Virtual health-secretary-level meeting hosted by India in February 2021.

8. History of SAARC

• Concept of regional cooperation in South Asia proposed in 1980.
• Formal proposal by Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh on May 2, 1980.
• Established on December 8, 1985, with seven founding members. Afghanistan joined in 2007.

9. Principles of SAARC

• Sovereign equality and territorial integrity.
• Non-interference in internal affairs.
• Mutual benefit and cooperation.
• Complementing bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

10. Structure of SAARC

Specialized Bodies:

• SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO): Islamabad, Pakistan.
• SAARC Development Fund (SDF): Thimphu, Bhutan.
• South Asian University (SAU): New Delhi, India.
• South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO): Dhaka, Bangladesh.

11. Achievements of SAARC

• SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS): Following the GATS-plus positive list approach for trade in services liberalization.
• SAARC University: Established in India.
• SAPTA: South Asia Preferential Trading Agreement.
• SAFTA: South Asia Free Trade Agreement aiming to reduce customs duties on traded goods to zero by 2016.
• Free Trade Area (FTA): Promotes internal trade among member states.

12. Importance of SAARC

• Represents 21% of the world's population and 3.8% of the global economy.
• Synergy among member countries in tradition, dress, food, and political viewpoints.
• Addresses common problems like poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, and industrial backwardness.
• Significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.

13. India and SAARC Relations

• Geostrategic Significance: SAARC provides a platform for India to engage with neighboring countries and counter China's OBOR initiative.
• Act East Policy: Linking South Asian economies with Southeast Asia for economic integration and prosperity.
• Leadership Role: Showcases India's leadership in the region by taking up extra responsibilities.

14. Role of SAARC - Impact on Indian Economy

• Agriculture-Based Economy: Most SAARC countries rely on agriculture, which is crucial for food security and raw materials.
• Mutual Cooperation: SAFTA aims to remove trade barriers and establish mechanisms for dispute settlement.
• Economic Development: SAARC promotes economic development and reduces dependency on developed countries for aid and trade.

15. SAARC Development Fund (SDF)

• Established in April 2010.
• Focuses on poverty alleviation, social development, health, education, human resource development, and rural infrastructure.
• Secretariat based in Thimphu, Bhutan.
• Implementing 90 projects with a total commitment of $198.24 million.

16. Challenges to SAARC

• India-Pakistan Tensions: Major challenge due to ongoing conflicts, especially over Kashmir.
• Low Meeting Frequency: Ideally, members should engage more frequently.
• Broad Range of Cooperation: Energy and resources get diverted due to a wide range of cooperation areas.
• Implementation Issues: Lack of satisfactory implementation of SAARC free trade agreements.

17. SAARC UPSC

SAARC is a significant topic for the UPSC exam, especially under International Relations and Current Affairs sections. It falls under the GS Paper 2 syllabus for the UPSC Mains exam.

18. Relevant Articles, Statutory Laws, and Case Laws

Relevant Articles of the Constitution

• Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security.

Relevant Statutory Laws

• The Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, 1972: Regulates diplomatic relations.
• The Passports Act, 1967: Governs the issuance of passports.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

• K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017): Right to privacy.
• Vineet Narain vs Union of India (1997): Emphasized transparency and accountability in governance.

19. MCQs for UPSC Exam Preparation

1.     When was SAARC established?

(a) 1980

(b) 1985

(c) 1990

(d) 2000

Answer: (b) 1985

2.     Which country was the last to join SAARC?

(a) Afghanistan

(b) Nepal

(c) Sri Lanka

(d) Myanmar

Answer: (a) Afghanistan

3.     Where are the headquarters of SAARC located?

(a) Dhaka

(b) Islamabad

(c) New Delhi

(d) Kathmandu

Answer: (d) Kathmandu

4.     Which bird is depicted in the SAARC logo?

(a) Dove

(b) Eagle

(c) Pigeon

(d) Sparrow

Answer: (a) Dove

5.     Who is the current Secretary-General of SAARC?

(a) Abul Ahsan

(b) Amjad Hussain B. Sial

(c) Esala Ruwan Weerakoon

(d) Weerakoon Abeysinghe

Answer: (c) Esala Ruwan Weerakoon

6.     Which SAARC member country is landlocked?

(a) Sri Lanka

(b) Maldives

(c) Bhutan

(d) Bangladesh

Answer: (c) Bhutan

7.     What does SAFTA stand for?

(a) South Asian Free Trade Agreement

(b) South American Free Trade Agreement

(c) South African Free Trade Agreement

(d) South Asian Friendship Treaty Agreement

Answer: (a) South Asian Free Trade Agreement

8.     Which city hosts the South Asian University?

(a) Kathmandu

(b) Islamabad

(c) New Delhi

(d) Dhaka

Answer: (c) New Delhi

9.     Which principle is NOT part of SAARC's guiding principles?

(a) Sovereign equality

(b) Territorial integrity

(c) Non-interference in internal affairs

(d) Political independence

Answer: (d) Political independence      

10.                        Where was the 17th SAARC Summit held?

(a) Dhaka

(b) Male

(c) Colombo

(d) Addu City

Answer: (d) Addu City

20. Key Points

• Geopolitical Significance: SAARC plays a crucial role in regional stability and economic integration.
• Economic Collaboration: Promotes free trade and economic cooperation among South Asian countries.
• Cultural Integration: Enhances mutual trust and understanding through cultural exchange.
• Strategic Importance for India: Provides a platform for India to engage with its neighbors and counterbalance China's influence.
• Challenges: India-Pakistan tensions, lack of frequent meetings, and implementation issues.

By understanding these key aspects and focusing on the relevant articles, statutory laws, and landmark judgments, UPSC aspirants can effectively prepare for questions on SAARC in the exam.