“Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC 2015)

Cross-border terrorism and interference in domestic affairs have eroded SAARC’s credibility and reduced it to a forum of weak cooperation.

• Against India: Repeated terrorist attacks from Pakistani soil, including Uri, Pathankot and later Pahalgam, hardened India’s stance. The 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad was cancelled after Uri, showing how terrorism blocks summit-level diplomacy.
• Interference in member-states: Pakistan is accused of backing militant groups in Afghanistan and fuelling instability in the region. Such actions violate the principle of non-interference and create distrust among smaller states.
• Effect on SAARC: Since decisions require unanimity, one hostile member can stall progress. SAFTA, connectivity and counter-terror cooperation have suffered, while countries increasingly prefer BIMSTEC and other sub-regional forums.

Thus, unless Pakistan ends support for terrorism and respects sovereignty, SAARC cannot realise its regional integration potential.