Question

Name the regional organisation of South Asian countries.

Hint:

Remember that SAARC (established in 1985) is the key platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. Its trade-focused framework, SAFTA, was implemented in 2006 to create a free trade zone in the region.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identifying the Organization:
The primary regional organization representing the nations of South Asia is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Step 2: Establishment and Membership:
SAARC was established on $8^{th}$ December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It comprises eight member states: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan (which joined in 2007). The permanent secretariat of SAARC is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Step 3: Objectives and Challenges:
The primary goals of SAARC are to promote economic development, cultural cooperation, and regional integration among South Asian nations, as exemplified by the signing of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement in 2004. However, the organization's effectiveness has often been hindered by political tensions and bilateral disputes, particularly the rivalry between India and Pakistan.