16th SAARC Summit: 25th Anniversary of Founding

The 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit concluded on 29 April in Bhutan's capital Thimphu। SAARC, an economic and political organization, includes Bhutan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Summit also marked the 25th anniversary of its founding। Anniversaries generally are times of introspection and resolve. When it is the 25th there is all the more reason to do so.

SAARC has come a long way since its inception। Though it may not be able to match the record of the EU in terms of economic and fiscal integration the results achieved are remarkable. This is especially so in view of the strained relations between its two giant members - India and Pakistan. Actually the unresolved problem between them has been the single most deterrent to its rapid progress. However, that the South Asian nations have been able to achieve significant economic integration despite that divide is a sign of the maturity of its leaders including those of India and Pakistan.

By now SAARC has the institutional mechanisms to further strengthen its diverse unifying mechanisms. The South Asian agreement of cooperation in fighting terrorism is a case in point.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Maldives' President Mohamed Nasheed, and Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley attended the two-day summit.

Major Issues Discussed
At the end of the Summit, the leaders agreed on the following major issues:

1। The leaders noted Bangladesh's proposal to convene an inter-governmental meet in Dhaka on the SAARC charter of democracy.

2। SAARC countries might consider Bhutan's experience with the concept of Gross National Happiness and welcomed Bhutan's offer to host a SAARC workshop on GNH in 2010.

3। They noted that while climate change impacted every country, the SAARC member states as developing countries were shouldering a major burden, in spite of having contributed least to the problem. They emphasized that global negotiations should be guided by the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities as enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate change. They underscored the need to initiate the process to formulate a common SAARC position for COP16.

4। Leaders called for focus on water management and conservation and development of cooperative projects at regional level.

5। The leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed deep concern over the threat which terrorism continues to pose to peace and security and economic stability of the region. They emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation to fight terrorism and crime.

6। Action plan on energy conservation would be prepared by the SAARC energy center, Islamabad with inputs from the member states and submit to the inter-governmental mechanism for consideration.

7। Leaders noted the proposal from India for preparing a roadmap for developing a SAARC market for electricity (SAME) on a regional basis.

8। The leaders took note of the reports of the steering committee of the South Asian university, and appreciated the progress being made towards establishing the university.

India's Announcement
India has announced setting up of a fund that would help South Asia effectively meet urgent adaptation and capacity building needs posed by climate change and also proposed establishment of innovation centers in the region to develop sustainable energy technologies. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made the announcement at the 16th SAARC Summit that began here with an apt theme - 'Toward a Green and Happy South Asia'.

He also proposed setting up of climate innovation centers in South Asia to develop sustainable energy technologies based on indigenous resource endowments and welcomed the conclusion of the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment.

Noting that India has already launched a national mission in sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, the Indian Prime Minister said the initiative could serve as a nucleus for regional cooperation in this vital area.

Singh said there was perhaps no region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than South Asia and lauded Bhutan's efforts in combining development with conservation of the environment.

The SAARC Council of Ministers on 27 April agreed to seek observer status at the climate talks scheduled to be held in Cancun, Mexico in December to better articulate the concerns of the region.

Nepal Prime Minister Visits India

The India-Nepal agreement signed last week in New Delhi is a matter of satisfaction for India because it indicates that the Madhav Kumar Nepal Government in Nepal desires to maintain cordial relations with India. The progress is specifically satisfactory from India's viewpoint that the Maoist Government headed by Prachanda, preceding the Kumar Government, was "anti-India," but "pro-China."

Prachanda, even before he took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal, during his prime ministership and even now when he is out of power, has made many statements that reflect his enmity toward India. Recently, for instance, he accused India that it wanted to attack China via Nepal.

Developing Bilateral Trade
However, the recent visit by the new Prime Minister of Nepal would reestablish the relations between the two countries and play a significant role in the development of trade ties. The new trade agreement would replace the old similar agreement signed in 1991.

The fresh agreement can easily be termed a significant initiative that would further enhance trade relations between the two countries. On the last day of the five-day official visit of Nepalese Prime Minister Kumar, two other agreements were also signed. In the joint statement released after the conclusion of the visit, India's concern on terrorism has appropriately been addressed. Nepal has assured India that it would not allow the use of its territory for carrying out any kind of terrorist activity against India. India also has extended similar assurance to Nepal.

Terrorism Issue
For some time past, Nepal is being used for anti-India activities. Reports continue to percolate that trained terrorists of various terrorist organizations, including Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have been entering India via Nepal. Recently, our intelligence agencies have revealed that fake Indian currency comes to India through Nepal. Under these circumstances, it is a matter of great solace that the new Government in Nepal appears to be prepared not to allow any anti-India activity in its territory.

The old friendship treaty signed in 1950 has become somewhat disputed for the past some time. There are several sections that maintain an antitreaty viewpoint and oppose it. Kumar held discussion on this issue with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. Both leaders have agreed, according to the joint statement, that the agreement would be reviewed at the secretary-level. As far as the new trade agreement is concerned, the two countries would keep a check on unauthorized trade, particularly by a third country. Undoubtedly, the agreement would go a long way in safeguarding the trade interests of both countries.

Cross border crimes are a matter of grave concern for both countries. The two countries maintain open borders, which is being used by antisocial elements to serve own interest. To prevent cross border crimes, the two countries have decided that home secretaries of the two countries would meet within two months to find out an effective instrument to stop such crimes and establish security on the borders. The decision to strengthen border administration and legal structure to resolve border disputes is a significant initiative.

Resolving Water Dispute
To resolve water disputes, the committee concerned has been directed to meet within two months. Both countries have also agreed to initiate effective measures to prevent breach of embankments of the river Kosi that plays havoc causing floods.

India has also agreed to extend cooperation in several major projects in Nepal. In a nutshell, it can be asserted that the visit by Kumar would further extend and expand areas of cooperation and mutual relations between the two countries.