The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 with the objective of promoting regional cooperation among its member states, which include India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. However, increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan's growing interference in the internal affairs of other member states have hampered the progress and future prospects of SAARC. Here are some examples:

1. Cross-border terrorism in India: Pakistan has been accused of supporting and harboring terrorist groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out numerous terrorist attacks in India. One of the most significant examples is the 2008 Mumbai attacks, where Pakistani terrorists targeted various locations in Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of more than 160 people. Such acts of terrorism not only disrupt peace and stability in the region but also create an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility between India and Pakistan, hindering the cooperation and progress of SAARC.

2. Interference in internal affairs: Pakistan has been criticized for interfering in the internal affairs of other member states, particularly in Afghanistan and India. Pakistan has been accused of providing sanctuary and support to Taliban insurgents operating in Afghanistan, which undermines efforts to stabilize the war-torn country. Similarly, Pakistan has been involved in cross-border infiltration and supporting separatist groups in Indian-administered Kashmir, which has led to tensions and conflicts between India and Pakistan. Such interference undermines the principles of non-interference and respect for sovereignty, crucial for the future success of SAARC.

3. Strained bilateral relations: The strained bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have had a direct impact on the functioning of SAARC. On various occasions, India has boycotted SAARC summits or scaled down its participation due to cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan. For instance, India boycotted the 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad following the Uri attack, where Pakistani terrorists targeted an Indian Army base, resulting in the deaths of 19 soldiers. These incidents not only disrupt the regional cooperation within SAARC but also damage the credibility and effectiveness of the organization itself.

4. Failed initiatives: The conflicting interests and mistrust between India and Pakistan have often resulted in failed initiatives and inability to implement decisions within SAARC. For example, initiatives such as the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade among member states, have been stalled due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. The failure to implement such initiatives further undermines the relevance and future prospects of SAARC as a regional cooperation platform.

In conclusion, the increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by Pakistan have severely impacted the future of SAARC. These factors have not only strained bilateral relations but also hindered the organization's ability to achieve its objectives of regional cooperation and development.

Increasing Cross-Border Terrorism and Interference: Hurting SAARC's Future

The statement accurately highlights the detrimental impact of cross-border terrorism and interference on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This is due to a number of factors:

1. Erosion of Trust and Cooperation:

• Terrorism: The persistent threat of cross-border terrorism, primarily emanating from Pakistan, undermines trust and cooperation amongst SAARC members. Attacks like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack directly target India, creating a climate of suspicion and mistrust.
• Interference: Pakistan's meddling in the internal affairs of other SAARC members, such as supporting separatist movements in Kashmir and financing anti-India activities, further erodes trust and hinders collective efforts towards regional stability.

2. Stalled Regional Cooperation:

• SAARC Summits: The SAARC summit has been stalled since 2016 due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This has significantly hampered the progress of regional projects and initiatives.
• Economic Integration: The potential for economic integration through trade and investment is hampered by the political climate. The lack of cooperation and trust makes it difficult to implement crucial economic programs and agreements.

3. Security Concerns:

• Military Build-up: The constant border tensions and threat of terrorism lead to an arms race and increased military spending within the region. This further exacerbates the security concerns and diverts resources from development projects.
• Regional Instability: The fragile peace in South Asia is constantly threatened by cross-border terrorism and interference. This instability deters foreign investment, hinders economic development, and creates a climate of fear and uncertainty.

4. Regional Isolation:

• International Perception: The lack of progress and the ongoing disputes in SAARC project a negative image of the region, hindering its ability to attract foreign investment and engage with the international community.

Examples:

• 2008 Mumbai Attacks: This attack, attributed to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, deeply impacted Indo-Pak relations and stalled SAARC progress.
• 2016 Pathankot Airbase Attack: The attack, again blamed on Pakistan-based terrorists, further strained relations and led to India's suspension of bilateral engagement with Pakistan.
• 2019 Pulwama Attack: This attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, led to a sharp escalation of tensions and the cancellation of a planned SAARC summit.

Conclusion:

The cross-border terrorism and interference in the internal affairs of SAARC members, primarily by Pakistan, are major obstacles to regional cooperation and progress. These activities create a climate of suspicion and mistrust, hampering economic development and security. Unless these issues are addressed, SAARC's future remains uncertain, with the potential to further isolate the region and hinder its ability to achieve its full potential.

The statement highlights the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism and interference in internal affairs by Pakistan, which hinder the progress and cooperation among member-states within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Cross-border terrorist attacks in India:

India has been a victim of numerous cross-border terrorist attacks, which have led to significant loss of lives and damage to property. Some examples include:

• The 2008 Mumbai attacks: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, carried out a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, killing over 160 people, including foreign nationals.
• The 2016 Uri attack: Four Pakistani militants attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers.
• The 2019 Pulwama attack: A suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), another Pakistan-based terrorist group, attacked a convoy of Indian security personnel in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 40 soldiers.

These attacks have strained relations between India and Pakistan, making it difficult for them to cooperate on regional issues and undermining the spirit of SAARC.

Interference in internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan:

Pakistan has been accused of interfering in the internal affairs of several SAARC member-states, including:

• Afghanistan: Pakistan has been accused of providing support to the Taliban and other militant groups, which has contributed to instability in Afghanistan.
• Bangladesh: Pakistan has been accused of aiding and abetting Islamist extremist groups in Bangladesh, which has led to concerns about regional security.
• Sri Lanka: Pakistan has been accused of providing military assistance to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the Sri Lankan Civil War, which has led to tensions between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

These examples illustrate how Pakistan's interference in the internal affairs of other SAARC member-states has created an atmosphere of mistrust and tension, making it challenging for the regional organization to achieve its goals.

Impact on SAARC:

The growing incidence of cross-border terrorist attacks and interference in internal affairs by Pakistan has had a negative impact on SAARC. It has:

• Created an atmosphere of mistrust among member-states, making it difficult for them to cooperate on regional issues.
• Undermined the spirit of regional cooperation, leading to a lack of progress on key issues like trade, connectivity, and economic development.
• Resulted in the cancelation or postponement of SAARC summits, due to tensions between India and Pakistan.

In conclusion, the growing incidence of cross-border terrorist attacks and interference in internal affairs by Pakistan poses a significant challenge to the future of SAARC. Unless these issues are addressed, the regional organization will struggle to achieve its goals and promote regional cooperation and development.