Reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has emerged as a significant diplomatic talking point, with leaders from Bangladesh and Pakistan advocating for its return to relevance. While India has largely favored minilateral forums, evolving geopolitical realities and the stalling of alternative platforms suggest an instrumental case for reconsidering the regional body, according to Happymon Jacob, a distinguished visiting professor at Mahatma Gandhi University.
Why is there a renewed push for SAARC?
Regional leaders have increasingly signaled that the framework for cooperation remains vital. In September 2025, Bangladesh’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus publicly called for the revival of SAARC at the UN General Assembly. This sentiment was echoed in December 2025 by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Earlier that year, while attending the funeral of former Bangladesh premier Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, Yunus remarked that “the SAARC spirit was still alive.” According to Jacob, these calls highlight a desire for a structured regional platform that does not rely on extra-regional guarantees.
South Asia is currently one of the least economically integrated regions globally. Intra-regional trade accounts for only about five percent of the total, significantly lower than the quarter or more seen in East Asia.
How have global minilaterals stalled?
India’s pivot toward minilateralism—forums smaller than traditional regional organizations—has faced unexpected hurdles. Platforms like the Quad have not held a leaders’ summit since 2024. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) remains stalled due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran, while the North-South corridor is restricted by sanctions. Additionally, the I2U2 group has seen little activity, and the expansion of BRICS has led to questions regarding its continued effectiveness. Jacob notes that New Delhi’s reliance on these minilaterals depends on variables outside its control, such as American diplomatic attention and regional stability in West Asia.
What are the strategic benefits of a revival?
A functional SAARC could provide New Delhi with a platform where it maintains primacy without needing constant external validation. While China has expanded its influence through infrastructure projects—including ports, loans, and power grids across South Asian capitals—a working SAARC could potentially allow regional members to collectively deliberate on terms of engagement with outside powers. Furthermore, activating the existing, yet largely dormant, South Asian free trade agreement could lower consumer costs and benefit border economies, according to Jacob.
Pro Tip: Economic Integration
Look for potential shifts in trade policy. Activating the South Asian free trade agreement would prioritize regional supply chains, potentially insulating the market from some of the volatility currently affecting global minilateral trade corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did India stop prioritizing SAARC?
Twelve years ago, the geopolitical environment was different. China was less active in the region, and New Delhi found minilateral platforms easier to navigate and more aligned with its global aspirations at the time. - Can SAARC solve all regional disputes?
No. According to Jacob, a revived SAARC would not settle the India-Pakistan question or evict China from the region, but it could offer a modest, useful mechanism to keep the neighborhood from drifting further toward Beijing. - Is China a member of SAARC?
No, China is not a South Asian power and operates outside of this specific regional organizational framework.
What do you think? Is a regional approach the right move for South Asia in the current geopolitical climate? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more analysis on regional diplomacy.
