Why the SAARC is in limbo ?

The Social Charter and Democracy Charter of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) look more ironic than ever. Because SAARC is itself in deep crisis due to the absence of core democratic values within itself and in most of the countries that constitute SAARC. It was formed in Dhaka on 8 December 1985 . Today in Bangladesh democracy itself is in crisis without opposition and targeting anyone who question the government. The situation of India is not better. And one of the biggest 'achievements' of the present Modiraj is the collapse of SAARC process itself .

The SAARC Charter of democracy : "Convinced that undemocratic and unrepresentative governments weaken national institutions , undermine the Constitution and rule of Law and threaten social cohesion and stability in the long run, we hereby commit to strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce democratic practices".

The SAARC Social Charter affirmed: "Promote universal respect for and observance and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, in particular the right to development; promote the effective exercise of rights and the discharge of responsibilities in a balanced manner at all levels of society; promote gender equity; promote the welfare and interest of children and youth; promote social integration States Parties affirm that highest priority shall be accorded to the alleviation of poverty in all South Asian Countries. Recognizing that South Asia's poor could constitute a huge and potential resource, provided their basic needs are met and they are mobilized to create economic growth, States Parties reaffirm that the poor should be empowered and irreversibly linked to the mainstream of development. They also agree to take appropriate measures to create income-generating activities for the poor'

The fact of the matter is that South Asia has the largest number of poor people in the word, an estimated 400 million people. Democratic spaces are shrinking in almost all the countries . Human rights violations are on the rise . Minorities are marginalised and live under fear in most of the countries. Neoconservative Politics and consequent violence is on the rise. The rich in all these countries are becoming richer and the poor still remain poor. Econmic , social and Political ineqalities are on the rise. And South Asian countries are the biggest buyers of arms and ammunation .

The problem is the SAARC itself is in ventilator and in comma. Compare this Charter with real practice on the ground. Despite electoral democracy in many countries, the real democratic institutions and practices are undermined in almost all the countries.

The last SAARC Summit happened in Kathmandu on 26-27 November 2014. And the next Summit supposed to be held in Pakistan was cancelled due to increased tensions between Indian and Pakistan. Ever since SAARC as a political platform cooperation among countries of South Asia became dysfunctional.
Why the SAARC is in limbo? It is here one has to see the huge gap between the rhetoric and reality in the foreign policy in the Modiraj. Despite the big bonhomie at the Oath making ceremony of Modi, today the relationship of India with most of its neighbors are worse than before . Nepal has close ties with India but today the relationship with India and Nepal is in an all time low. And today SAARC is dysfunctional. Modi made famous undeclared visit to Pakistan. And today there is more enmity. There is more tension with China. In a nutshell like everything else Modi has been good at packaging with out content. Good at promises and not good at performance. Rhetoric is great. Reality is bleak. He has been a master of spins. But spins don't work anymore.

One of the biggest achievements of the PM is that he did something unprecedented and set a new record. He is the first ever PM who visited the largest number of countries within a short period. What is the outcome? He gave many enthralling feel good speeches to largely middle-class and upper-caste Non-resident Indians , gave few more teleprompted speeches here and there and also free photo opportunity. What is the total result? Zilch! Of course there is one. We have International Yoga Day. What about India's effort for a permanent seat in the UN security council? Did not move an inch ahead. What about FDI for the Making India Project . Hardly anything significant.

The articulate and active Minister of External Affairs in India proved to be a good Minister of NRI affairs as she played a role to negotiate the return of Indians trapped in war-zones of Iraq and elsewhere. But the substantive foreign policy is supposed to be forte of the PM and his well orchestrated frequent diplomatic missions across the world. And what are the concrete outcome beyond Policy posturing and rhetoric? Posturing does not help or make a substitute for an effective Foreign Policy or good relationship of trust with neighbors. This is a challenge India needs to address.

We need to play a true democratic leadership role in reviving and renewing SAARC. And for this the first prerequisite is to build an honest , positive and trustworthy relationship between every single country in South Asia. This should begin with India practicing SAARC charter of Democracy within the country. And relationship with neighbors get improved when there is substantive improvement in trade , Development cooperation and trustworthy Political relationship of imagination and integrity. We have to go beyond promises to performance.

There is no shortcut to building democratic societies and institutions. This has to happen at the national levels by renewed movement for freedom, rights, inclusive Politics and democratic practice and also by exposing and resisting enemies of freedom and democracy. Without democratic countries and a collective commitment towards a democratic, peaceful and a more equal South Asia , the SAARC in itself can't much of difference with empty statements and charters of rhetoric.