Topic: India’s relations with Bhutan and Sri Lanka, India’s relations with Pakistan, India’s relations with Afghanistan, Maldives, India – SAARC.
3. Critically examine whether SAARC has been of relevance in the past and how it possibly can be of greater relevance in the future. (150 Words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the future of SAARC amidst current uncertainties and to argue for its revival.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the context of SAARC and its present-day scenario.
Body:
In the first part, write about why SAARC was formed and how it was relevant at that time.
Then, bring out the current uncertainties which forebode a bleak future for SAARC – Crisis in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Indo-Pak equation, Sri- Lankan Crisis, Covid crisis, etc.
Next, mention why India should take the lead in reviving SAARC. It will ensure integrated, connected, secure and prosperous South Asia, and lead to the economic, technological, cultural, and social development of the region.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and diplomatic steps needed to re-engage and revive SAARC.
