On May 26th, 2014, For the Oath taking ceremony
of the 15th Prime Minister of India, NDA Govt. invited all SAARC nation heads
to the occasion. This has been a unique gesture and has been first of the kind.
To India's surprise, All Countries should equal interest in attending the
ceremony. Many Political analysts described it a master stroke for the new
beginning. To the organization which India reluctantly joined concerned over
its role, giving it a new unprecedented importance is a very welcome step. As
Shri Vajpayee had pointed out that we can’t choose our neighbors, it is of
utmost importance that we maintain healthy relations with our neighbors. Out of
the SAARC nations, Only Maldives is not our neighbor but a very strategically
important nation for India.
The
first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka on 7–8 December 1985 and hosted by the
President of Bangladesh Hussain Ershad. The declaration signed by King of
Bhutan Jigme Singye, President of Pakistan Zia-ul-Haq, Prime Minister of India
Rajiv Gandhi, and King of Nepal Birendra Shah, President of Sri Lanka JR
Jayewardene, and President of Maldives Maumoon Gayoom SAARC secretariat is
located at Katmandu, Nepal.
Myanmar
though initially did not join SAARC is now having observer status. It should be
made a permanent member soon. Afghanistan has been a SAARC member from 2005. On
4 March 2008, Iran requested observer status, followed shortly by Mauritius.
States with observer status include Australia, China, the European Union, Iran,
Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea and the United States.
Next summit will be held at
Katmandu, Nepal in November, 2014. Let us try to understand the relevance of
SAARC in global terms,
1. All are closely bound nations which can
discuss comprehensively about endemic species, possible contamination to other
nations.
2. Exchange cultural heritage which can inculcate
sense of unity among nations.
3. Concentrate more on issues in dialogues rather
than avoiding them.
4. Create joint tourism circuits among border
nations.
5. Have zero tolerance for cross border
terrorism.
6. Improve exports and imports among SAARC
nations by understanding the needs of each other.
7. Let nations adopt best educational standards
by mutual co-operation.
8. Smaller the group, Better the cohesion, utilize
the advantage of small group of members to arrive at decisions faster.
Below are some of the issues at large concerning
member nations,
1. Extremists and Fundamentalists terrorism in
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
2. Border issues between India and Pakistan.
3. Border issues between India and Bangladesh.
4. Illegal immigrant’s inflow into India and
Myanmar from Bangladesh.
5. Unemployment crisis in Bangladesh.
6. Ethnic clashes in Srilanka between Sinhalese
and Tamilians.
7. Civilian distress in Nepal.
8. Power clashes in Maldives.
9. Marine fishing clashes between India and
Pakistan, India and Srilanka.
10. Water sharing issues between India and
Bangladesh.
Though above listed issues are political, if they
are cleared, will benefit immensely in carrying forward the areas of
co-operation. Areas of Co-operation include, Agriculture, Biotechnology,
culture, economy, trade, education, energy, environment, finance, funding
mechanism, information and communication, people to people contacts, science
and technology. To sum up, it includes almost fields of administration.
India strangely displays very weak diplomacy when
it relates to external relations. We can’t have a policy of neglecting when not
required and then complaining when against us. We have to involve our border
nations at all times. Having genuine concern will always be appreciated. Time
has come to come out of our shell, shed inhibitions and inculcate honest
concerns when it comes to mutual co-operation. We can also invite SAARC
ambassadors for republic day every year, a thought to be pondered upon. A Lot
can be done going ahead. Hopes are definitely positive.
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