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In News
- The meeting of foreign ministers from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries has been cancelled.
- The meeting was set to be held in New York on 25 September 2021.
- It was to be hosted by Nepal.
- The suspected reason may be disagreement among the member states over the participation of Afghanistan.
- In particular, the loggerhead was between Pakistan and India over the issue.
What are the differing opinions?
- Pakistan first objected to the participation of any official from the previous Ghani administration.
- In response, SAARC members reportedly agreed to keep an “empty chair” as a symbolic representation of Afghanistan.
- However, Islamabad later insisted that the Taliban be allowed to send its representative to the summit.
- It was rejected by all of the other member states.
- After no consensus could be formed, Nepal, the ‘host’ of the summit, officially cancelled the meeting.
Reasons behind the Objection by SAARC members
- Non-Recognition of Taliban as legitimate government
- The Taliban has not been recognised as the official government of Afghanistan by any SAARC countries barring Pakistan.
- Several Taliban Leaders blacklisted as terrorists
- Several top Taliban leaders are blacklisted by the US and/or designated as international terrorists.
- Senior leaders who are not blacklisted are known for supporting terrorist activities or affiliating with terrorist organisations.
- Non Inclusive Government
- Recently, at the SCO meet, India referred to the Taliban as a non-inclusive government.
- It also warned other nations to think before accepting the regime in Afghanistan.
- Recently, at the SCO meet, India referred to the Taliban as a non-inclusive government.
- Threat of Spillover Terrorism due to Dominant Haqqani Network
- SAARC members are deeply aware of the threat of spillover terrorism from Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
- Bangladesh in particular, is concerned with the effect it may have on extremism within its borders.
- Involvement in Drugs, Illegal Weapon and Human Trafficking trades
- Developments in Afghanistan could lead to uncontrolled flow of drugs, illegal weapons and human trafficking.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Courtesy: ResearchGate Genesis of SAARC
Induction of Afghanistan
Challenges of SAARC
Courtesy: MapsofWorld
Relevance of SAARC
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Concussion and Way Forward
- Wait and Watch regarding Afghanistan
- India and other countries have met and should keep in touch with Taliban spokespeople.
- But SAARC should wait and demand a representative government from the Taliban before allowing them to represent Afghanistan in SAARC.
- SAARC has its own significance
- SAARC can help India to have energy security and give it access to Central Asia.
- Try to strengthen BIMSTEC
- As an alternative, India should diversify its options by strengthening BIMSTEC.
Source: IE
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