The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) holds enormous potential for cooperation in crosscutting sectors to foster the well-being of the people in the region. However, it continues to be hobbled by internal rivalries and a trust deficit. It is yet to attain the stability demonstrated by several regional arrangements in other parts of the world like the European Union and ASEAN.
What holds back closer regional economic integration? Can SAARC move forward despite a fraught relationship between India and Pakistan? How will the new government deal with the challenge of a greater role for China in SAARC? Can Modi’s ‘neighborhood first’ strategy change the dynamic within SAARC?
On December 4, Gateway House hosted a meeting to discuss the outcomes of 18th SAARC Summit and the way forward. The panelists were Saroja Sirisena, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Ahmad Ali Babak, Consul General of Afghanistan in Mumbai, Samina Naz, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, and Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, CEO, Nutshell Forum. The session was moderated by Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House.
Gateway House meetings are for members and by invitation only. To know more about becoming a member at Gateway House, click here.