Question

Describe any two areas of cooperation and any two areas of conflict among the member countries of the SAARC.

Hint:

Give two cooperation areas such as SAFTA and the South Asian University, and two conflicts such as Kashmir and river water.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the question:
SAARC was founded in 1985. The question asks for two areas where members cooperate and two where they are in conflict.
Total 6 marks, so each of the four points is explained in two to three lines.

Step 2: Area of cooperation 1: Trade:
Member countries signed SAPTA in 1993 and SAFTA in 2004 to reduce trade barriers.
SAFTA came into force in 2006 and aims to increase trade among members.

Step 3: Area of cooperation 2: Education and social fields:
SAARC set up the South Asian University to share higher education.
Members also cooperate in culture, health and disaster management.

Step 4: Area of conflict 1: India-Pakistan dispute:
The Kashmir issue and terrorism cause tension between India and Pakistan.
This has often slowed down the work of SAARC meetings.

Step 5: Area of conflict 2: Water and migration disputes:
Sharing of river waters, like the Ganga and the Teesta, has led to disagreements between India and Bangladesh.
Illegal migration and fear of the large size of India among smaller members also cause friction.

Final Answer:
Two areas of cooperation are trade (SAPTA and SAFTA) and education/social fields; two areas of conflict are the India-Pakistan disputes and disagreements over river waters and migration.