Team Blitz India
In a critical moment in regional diplomacy, Nepal faces a key decision as its Lower House of Parliament approves the charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).
However, amidst this development, Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha asserts that Bimstec should not replace the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in the region.
During discussions within Nepal’s Federal Parliament, the approval of Bimstec’s charter stands as a notable development, adopted during Sri Lanka’s virtual summit in 2022. Yet, Shrestha’s assertion highlights Nepal’s unwavering support for Saarc, promising to rejuvenate the organisation during its current leadership.
While India seems inclined towards Bimstec over Saarc in recent times, Nepal remains firm in its stance. “We don’t agree to activate Bimstec at the expense of Saarc becoming passive and ineffective,” Shrestha remarked during parliamentary sessions, as per the Kathmandu Post. “We don’t view Bimstec as a replacement for Saarc. Nepal, as its current chair, will take steps to revitalise the stalled Saarc process.”
Saarc, established in 1985 to foster economic development and regional integration in South Asia, faces challenges due to geopolitical tensions between India, Pakistan, and issues in Afghanistan. This has led India to prioritise engagement with eastern neighbours through Bimstec.
The geopolitical landscape underscores Saarc’s challenges, with Pakistan’s non-cooperation exacerbating its inefficiency. The cancellation of 2016 Saarc Summit in Islamabad due to cross-border tensions highlighted its fragility, paving the way for Bimstec as a pragmatic alternative.
India’s strategic stance within Bimstec aligns with Neighbourhood First Policy and Act East Policy. As Nepal takes on leadership roles in Bimstec, questions arise about its efforts to revive Saarc. Shrestha’s push for Saarc revival amidst a new government hints at complex geopolitical considerations.
