Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
5. The Afghan crisis can be a fatal blow to an already moribund SAARC. Do you think India should consider an alternative approach to augment south Asian cooperation sans Pakistan and Afghanistan? Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
A meeting of foreign ministers from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, which was set to be held in New York on Saturday, has been cancelled. Sources report that the member states were unable to agree upon the participation of Afghanistan, with Pakistan and India in particular at loggerheads over the issue.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the potential ramifications of recent geo-political changes on SAARC and to comment on potential point of achieving south Asian solidarity without Pakistan.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of recent cancellation of SAARC FM meet.
Body:
In the first part, bring out the current uncertainties which forebode a bleak future for SAARC – Crisis in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Indo-Pak equation, Covid crisis etc.
Next, mention as to why India should take the lead in considering alternative. It will ensure integrated, connected, secure and prosperous South Asia, and lead economic, technological, cultural, and social development’ of the region.
Next, deliberate as to whether reviving SAARC will be in India’s interest?
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and diplomatic steps needed to achieve south Asian solidarity.
