SAARC Full Form, History, Goals, Principles, Importance

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

SAARC is an intergovernmental organisation. This organisation is responsible for promoting economic and cultural cooperation among the member countries in South Asia. The headquarter of SAARC is in Kathmandu, Nepal. This organisation has the support of different countries. They are known as Member-states.

In addition, the member countries of SAARC are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organisation aims to facilitate regional integration, peace, stability, and economic growth in South Asia. They aim to do it through various initiatives such as trade deals, joint investments, and cultural relations.

Some key areas of cooperation among SAARC member countries include agriculture, transport, energy, and communication. The organisation also engages in discussions with other regional and international organisations. This is to enable collaboration and understanding.

Essential Facts About SAARC

• SAARC was established in the year 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• There is a total of eight members in this organisation. It includes India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• The headquarters of the organisation is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• There are nine observers in the SAARC organisation. This includes some prominent countries like Australia, the United States of America (USA), china, and Myanmar.
• SAARC launched its satellite for South Asia in the year 2017.
• There are a few specialised bodies of SAARC, like:
• South Asian University (SAU) - India
• South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) - Dhaka
• SAARC Arbitration Council - Pakistan
• SAARC Development Fund - Bhutan
• Also, the first secretary General of SAARC was Abdul Ahasan from Bangladesh. However, the current Secretary General of SAARC is Esla Ruwan Weerakoon.
• Furthermore, Ziaur Rahman is known as the father of SAARC. He was originally from Bangladesh.
• Also, the last country to join the SAARC was Afghanistan in 2007. It joined as the eighth member of the SAARC.

Overview SAARC

• Seven member states founded SAARC in the year 1985.
• The organisation was founded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 8, 1985.
• However, Turkey and Russia are possible future members of SAARC. They have also applied for membership.
• Also, SAARC comprises eight member states and nine observer states.

SAARC Member States

• Afghanistan
• India
• Bangladesh
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Pakistan
• Bhutan

SAARC Observer States

• Australia
• China
• European Union
• Japan
• Iran
• Mauritius
• United States
• Myanmar
• Republic of Korea

History of SAARC, SAARC Organisation

The formation of SAARC dates back to 1985. It has witnessed many ups and downs since its formation. Below given are some of the noteworthy origination facts about the organisation:

• Bangladesh’s President Ziaur Rahman first suggested initiating a regional organisation in the late 1970s.
• It was to promote economic and cultural cooperation among the countries of South Asia.
• The Foreign Ministers of the seven countries met in New Delhi and examined the formation of a regional association.
• Besides, it took several years of negotiation and talk before the SAARC was finalised and signed in 1985.
• SAARC aims to promote economic and cultural relationships among member-state countries.
• This also enhances peace and security among South Asian countries.
• Also, since its formation, SAARC has had several summits and meetings to discuss different issues. Also, it promotes cooperation among the member countries.

Goals of SAARC

The main goal of the SAARC organisation is to work toward a common goal. It helps in achieving social, cultural, and economic growth for all the citizens of South Asia.

Below are the main objectives of SAARC:

• First, improve the welfare and standard of living of South Asians.
• It increases the speed of social progress, cultural change, and economic growth. It achieves this by allowing people to live honourably and reach their full potential.
• Boost and support the South Asian nation’s self-dependence.
• In addition, it contributes to confidence, comprehension, and respect for others’ problems.
• In addition, it increases affiliations with other developing nations.
• It improves cooperation to stand for common interests on international grounds.
• It encourages mutual help and cooperation in the financial, cultural, social, technical, and scientific fields.

Principles of SAARC

The SAARC organisation works within the parameters they have established. The fact that each member has an equal chance to voice their rights and needs is mainly kept in mind.

• The SAARC respects the principles of Sovergenity, territorial, political integrity, and independence. Accordingly, they also have no interference in the internal affairs of another member state.
• It promotes regional cooperation in the spirit of friendship, trust, and mutual benefits.
• Promotion of harmony, stability, and peace among the participating countries.
• Moreover, it promotes regional integration among member states through increased economic cooperation, investment, and trade.
• Improve connectivity and communication among the member states as well.

However, these principles guide the SAARC member states. It helps in the efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and integration in South Asia.

Areas of Cooperation SAARC

There are many ways in which saarc helps maintain economical, social, and other balances in the member states.

However, below given are some of the significant roles of SAARC:

• Human Resource Development
• Economic trade and finance
• Social affairs
• Agriculture and Rural Development
• Environment and natural disasters
• Education
• Security
• Information and poverty
• Energy, transport, and technology

However, there are many more roles saarc plays in maintaining peace and cooperation in South Asian countries.

Importance of SAARC in India

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is essential for India in various ways:

1. Economic Cooperation

It allows India to expand its economic ties with other South Asian nations. But primarily through the facilitation of investment and trade.

2. Diplomatic Relation

India uses SAARC to communicate with its neighbours about various diplomatic disputes. It entails resolving conflicts and border disputes.

3. Regional Security

It gives India a platform to interact with its neighbours and advance regional security. In addition, it is beneficial in disaster management, border control, and counterterrorism.

4. Connectivity

It gives India a chance to collaborate with its neighbours to improve connectivity. Moreover, it covers industries like transportation, energy, and telecommunications. This can be especially beneficial for increasing trade and economic integration.

5. Cultural Exchange

It enables India to share its cultural diversity and heritage with its neighbours and the rest of the world.

SAARC is an important regional organisation for India. It provides a platform for improving peace and brotherhood among the member states.

SAARC Structure

The SAARC structure consists of the following central bodies:

• Council of Ministers

The foreign ministers of the member nations make up the Council of Ministers. It is in charge of the SAARC's overall policy direction.

• Standing Committee

The Standing Committee is composed of the foreign secretaries of the member countries. They are accountable for watching the performance of the actions of SAARC.

• Secretariat

The Secretariat of the SAARC is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is headed by a Secretary General appointed by the Council of Ministers. In addition, the Secretariat is in charge of organising and carrying out the activities in search.

• Technical Committees

There are several technical committees in search. It includes committees on economic cooperation, agriculture, environment, and health. These committees are responsible for implementing the needs and taking care of their areas.

• Specialised Bodies

The search also has several specialised bodies. It includes a development fund, disaster management, a cultural centre, and others.