The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is the regional intergovernmental organisation linking the eight nations of South Asia. Founded in Dhaka in December 1985, SAARC was conceived as a forum for economic and cultural cooperation in one of the world's most populous regions.
At a glance
- Founded: 1985 (SAARC Charter adopted in Dhaka, 8 December 1985)
- Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Official languages: English
- Website: www.saarc-sec.org
Mission
SAARC's objectives include promoting the welfare of South Asian peoples, accelerating economic growth and cultural development, strengthening collective self-reliance, and contributing to mutual trust and understanding among member states. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) was the bloc's most ambitious initiative.
Structure
The SAARC Summit of heads of state and government meets every two years (when convened — see below). The Council of Ministers handles inter-summit business. The SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, headed by a Secretary-General, supports operations. Specialised regional centres handle agriculture, energy, tuberculosis, and other issues.
Member states
SAARC has 8 member states. Membership current as of 2024-01.
Key facts
- SAARC summits have been suspended since 2016 because of bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan, leaving the organisation institutionally intact but practically dormant.
- The 2016 Islamabad Summit was cancelled after India and Bangladesh withdrew over the Uri terrorist attack; no full SAARC Summit has been held since.
- SAARC member states host nearly a quarter of the world's population — over 1.9 billion people.
- The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), signed in 2004, has had limited success: intra-regional trade remains under 5% of total trade, far below ASEAN or EU levels.
- Afghanistan joined as the eighth member in 2007, after independence from Soviet-era political alignments.
Historic milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1985 | SAARC founded at Dhaka Summit |
| 1995 | SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement enters force |
| 2004 | South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) signed |
| 2007 | Afghanistan joins as 8th member |
| 2016 | Summits suspended over India-Pakistan tensions |
