Saarc replacement: In the politics of South Asia, there are signs of major changes once again. The South Asian Regional Cooperation Association (SAARC), which has been inactive due to long -term snow between India and Pakistan, is now being planned to be left behind. Pakistan, China and Bangladesh are now actively working towards the formation of a new regional organization. This organization can become an alternative to SAARC, which is trying to give a new look to regional trade, contact and strategic coordination. According to the report of the Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune, the recent conversation between the three countries has made significant progress in this direction.
Kunming meeting became the foundation of new initiative
On June 19, a tripartite meeting was held between representatives of Pakistan, China and Bangladesh in Kunming city of China. It is considered to be the first solid strategic attempt of this new diplomatic initiative. It was told that in the meeting, it was considered to invite other former SAARC member countries.
Bangladesh refused to talk about ‘coalition’
However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs advisor M Touheed Hussain dismissed the idea that the meeting was only at a formal level and there was no aspect related to any political or coalition. He clarified that “we are not forming an alliance.”
Other countries including India can be sent invitation
According to the report, China and Pakistan are planning to propose to include India in this new group. Apart from this, countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan can also be invited to join this regional platform. This platform will focus on increasing trade and contact.
SAARC’s inaction became the reason for the new initiative
Significantly, the final conference of SAARC was held in Kathmandu in 2014, while the 2016 conference was canceled due to Uri terrorist attack. India refused to join it, citing the “current situation” and then Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also boycotted the conference, which stalled the organization.