Time for a Saarc summit

The regional chessboard of South Asia is once again ripe for movement, and Pakistan has signalled its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, hoping India will also come to the table. But New Delhi has chosen to dig its heels in, particularly when it comes to Kashmir, effectively slamming the dor shut on any third-party mediation. India’s foreign policy, although emboldened by its economic rise, now finds itself entangled in contradictions—while it aspires to regional leadership, its inability to maintain neighbourly relations tells a different tale. The Modi government’s unilateral decisions in Kashmir and aversion to multilateral forums like Saarc have only strained ties further. Even Pakistan’s steady hand through backchannels and military communications hasn’t thawed the frost of Indian diplomacy.

Now is the time to dust off Saarc and breathe life into it again. While India seems to prefer newer platforms like BIMSTEC, they have failed to hold water. With political shifts in Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the winds of change may favour regional cooperation once more. Pakistan has subtly regained diplomatic capital, and a Saarc summit—even symbolic—could send ripples of hope across the subcontinent. South Asia, teeming with potential for trade and connectivity, deserves more than fractured diplomacy. The region stands at a crossroads, and even a photo-op among Saarc leaders could rekindle the long-lost spirit of collaboration, nudging India to rethink its rigid stance.

Overview:

This article underscores the stagnation in Indo-Pak relations and advocates for reviving Saarc as a diplomatic bridge. It highlights the reluctance of India to engage in comprehensive dialogue, particularly on Kashmir, and critiques the shift toward limited bilateral agendas excluding core issues. The piece urges South Asian nations to seize the moment and reassert Saarc’s relevance as a regional forum.

NOTES:

The article provides a detailed overview of the recent escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, reflecting the volatility of Middle Eastern geopolitics. It outlines how Iran’s direct missile and drone attacks on Israel mark a shift in regional conflict dynamics, highlighting the deepening of proxy warfare into open confrontation. The article also delves into the internal challenges faced by both countries—Israel grappling with political instability and military engagement on multiple fronts, while Iran faces economic pressure and internal unrest. Additionally, it sheds light on the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region, such as Iran’s ties with Hezbollah and other militant groups, and Israel’s backing from the U.S. and Western allies. These developments underscore the fragile security landscape of the Middle East and the growing potential for broader regional warfare. The article also works as a key resource for understanding the nuances of modern warfare, strategic diplomacy, and the global implications of regional conflicts, especially concerning Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, energy security, and regional alliances.

Relevance to CSS syllabus or subjects:

• International Relations: Indo-Pakistan relations, regional cooperation, diplomacy
• Pakistan Affairs: Kashmir dispute, role of Pakistan in South Asia, Saarc
• Current Affairs: Regional organizations, conflict resolution, global mediation efforts

Notes for Beginners:

This article talks about the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, mainly due to the Kashmir issue. India doesn’t want outside countries to help mediate, while Pakistan wants all major issues, including Kashmir, to be discussed. Saarc, a group of South Asian countries formed to promote cooperation, hasn’t held a summit in years. But now there is a new chance to restart talks through Saarc because of changes in some governments in the region. Even if big results don’t come quickly, just having leaders sit together can start a better future for South Asia.

Facts and Figures:

• Saarc’s last summit was held in 2014
• The 2016 summit was cancelled due to non-participation from key countries
• Kashmir’s special status was revoked by India on August 5, 2019
• Ceasefire reaffirmed between Pakistan and India on May 10, 2025

To wrap up, This piece doesn’t just diagnose the diplomatic deadlock; it offers a possible cure. Saarc, if resuscitated, can become the much-needed artery for peace in South Asia. It’s time leaders rose above political cost and tapped into the shared regional destiny. Dialogue delayed is peace denied—and South Asia cannot afford the price of silence any longer.