{"id":146434,"date":"2024-12-10T19:49:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T14:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=current-affairs&#038;p=146434"},"modified":"2024-12-10T19:49:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T14:19:52","slug":"saarc-failure-to-achieve-regional-integration","status":"publish","type":"current-affairs","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/saarc-failure-to-achieve-regional-integration","title":{"rendered":"SAARC\u2019s Failure to Achieve Regional Integration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On <\/span><b>December 8th<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><b>South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> marked <\/span><b>39 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since its establishment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>About South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-146383 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/101-67583df22f1cc.webp\" alt=\"SAARC\" width=\"401\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/101-67583df22f1cc.webp 747w, https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/101-67583df22f1cc-300x288.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Establishment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka in December 1985.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Secretariat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Set up in <\/span><b>Kathmandu in 1987<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Members: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Observers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Australia, China, European Union, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, and the United States of America.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Authority: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Meetings of the <\/span><b>Heads of State or Government of Member States<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the <\/span><b>highest decision making authority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under SAARC.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hosts: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summits are usually held<\/span><b> biennially hosted by a Member State in alphabetical order.\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Member State hosting the Summit assumes the <\/span><b>Chair of the Association<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SAARC\u2019s Specialised Bodies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Arbitration Council, South Asian Regional Standards Organization.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Course<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Achievement of SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAFTA, Signed in <\/span><b>2004<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a<\/span><b> free trade agreement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between the members SAARC.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SAARC Development Fund (SDF):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SDF is the financial institution for SAARC to fund projects and programs in social sectors, such as poverty alleviation and development.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SDF was <\/span><b>established in 2010 during the 16th SAARC Summit in Thimphu, Bhutan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>South Asia Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SAPTA was <\/span><b>signed in Dhaka in 1993<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to promote <\/span><b>trade amongst the member countries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and came into effect in 1995.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SARSO, established in <\/span><b>2011<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a Specialized Body to achieve and enhance <\/span><b>coordination and cooperation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">among SAARC member countries in the <\/span><b>fields of standardization and conformity assessment.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trade in services agreements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Agreement has been <\/span><b>ratified by all Member State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s and has entered into force in<\/span><b> 2012<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Double taxation avoidance agreement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it was signed in<\/span><b> 2005 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by all members to avoid double taxation. <\/span><b>India ratified in 2011.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation University:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Establish a<\/span><b> SAARC university in India, a food bank<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and also an energy reserve in Pakistan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is an <\/span><b>intergovernmental organization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that helps member states<\/span><b> reduce disaster risk, manage disaster risk, and promote regional cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SAARC Social Charter: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SAARC Charter aims to <\/span><b>accelerate social progress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through collaboration and mutual assistance among member states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Linking South Asian economies with Southeast Asia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This will boost economic integration and prosperity in India, especially in the services sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt;\"><b>Ambitious Goals of SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>South Asian Economic Union (SAEU):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SAARC envisioned the formation of a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u00a0 included objectives such as the adoption of<\/span><b> common trade policies, a unified external trade policy,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ultimately the introduction of a <\/span><b>single currency for the region.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Functional and dynamic free trade area:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The organization aimed to establish a functional and dynamic free trade area.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To achieve this, the<\/span><b> South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> agreement was signed in 2006, and the <\/span><b>SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was introduced to enhance intraregional trade in services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Importance of SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promotes Regional Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC provides a platform for <\/span><b>eight South Asian nations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to address shared challenges, such as poverty, illiteracy, and health crises.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, initiatives like the S<\/span><b>AARC Tuberculosis and HIV\/AIDS Centre<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aim to address public health concerns regionally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Facilitates Economic Growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Agreements like the <\/span><b>South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aim to boost trade among member states.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although implementation has been slow, the potential for <\/span><b>enhanced intra-regional trade (currently at ~5%) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remains significant for economic growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Addresses Common Issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: South Asia faces <\/span><b>shared challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and natural disasters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. SAARC facilitates dialogue and cooperation to address these transnational issues.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the <\/span><b>SAARC Disaster Management Centre fosters collaborative disaster preparedness.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Encourages Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC promotes <\/span><b>cultural integration through events like the SAARC Film Festival and SAARC Literary Awards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which help foster mutual understanding and respect among the diverse cultures in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthens Collective Bargaining Power<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As a bloc, SAARC can enhance its bargaining position in<\/span><b> international forums like the WTO <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or climate negotiations, ensuring that the region&#8217;s collective interests are represented on the global stage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhances Connectivity and Integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Initiatives like the <\/span><b>SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement and the SAARC Satellite Project <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aim to improve regional connectivity.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although<\/span><b> stalled,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> these projects have the potential to boost economic and social integration across South Asia.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fosters Regional Stability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: By bringing countries like <\/span><b>India and Pakistan to the same table<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, SAARC acts as a <\/span><b>confidence-building mechanism to reduce tensions <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and foster dialogue.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, SAARC summits have often<\/span><b> facilitated bilateral meetings on the sidelines.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Failures of SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Postponed or Cancelled Summits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Over the past three decades, SAARC summits have been <\/span><b>postponed more than 10 times <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">due to political disagreements.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Example: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was canceled after India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan refused participation following the <\/span><b>Uri terrorist attack.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Weaker Organisation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Asia\u2019s regional cooperation has historically been weaker compared to other regions like ASEAN, the EU, and Africa.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>African Continental Free Trade Area:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Demonstrates the importance of regional trade integration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>MERCOSUR:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Latin America\u2019s regional integration project has outperformed South Asia.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate Economic Integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Despite the implementation of the<\/span><b> South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in 2006<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, intra-regional trade remains at a mere 5% of the region\u2019s global trade.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>potential for economic collaboration has not been realized<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to limited trade liberalization and non-tariff barriers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stalled Regional Initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Key initiatives like the <\/span><b>SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and SAARC Satellite Project have <\/span><b>failed to materialize<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, primarily due to lack of consensus among member states.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This stalling reflects <\/span><b>SAARC&#8217;s inability to deliver on regional connectivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and infrastructure projects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Failure to Address Regional Security Issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC has not been able to develop a <\/span><b>collectiv<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">e <\/span><b>security framework.<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example:<\/b> <b>Terrorism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remains a divisive issue, with no consensus on addressing <\/span><b>cross-border terrorism due to conflicting national interests.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Underutilization of Resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC institutions, such as the <\/span><b>SAARC Development Fund (SDF), <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have <\/span><b>failed to meet their potential<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to <\/span><b>inadequate funding and a lack of impactful projects.<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These institutions remain<\/span><b> largely ineffective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in promoting sustainable development across the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ineffectiveness in Crisis Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC\u2019s response to regional crises, such as the <\/span><b>COVID-19 pandemic, was minimal compared to other regional groupings.<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although India proposed a<\/span><b> COVID-19 Emergency Fund in 2020<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, broader regional collaboration under SAARC was lacking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shift to Alternative Platforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The <\/span><b>rise of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) a<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s a more active and functional organization highlights SAARC\u2019s inability to remain relevant.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BIMSTEC\u2019s success in fostering regional cooperation contrasts sharply with SAARC\u2019s stagnation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perceived Irrelevance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many member states<\/span><b> prioritize bilateral relations or other regional groupings over SAARC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reducing its significance in addressing regional issues.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India\u2019s increasing engagement with <\/span><b>BIMSTEC and the Quad<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> demonstrates a shift in focus away from SAARC.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Challenges and Limitations Faced by SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Political Rivalries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The <\/span><b>India-Pakistan rivalry,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> particularly over terrorism and Kashmir, obstructs cooperation.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The<\/span><b> cancellation of the 2016 Islamabad Summit <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">due to the <\/span><b>Uri terrorist attack<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights the impact of bilateral tensions on SAARC\u2019s functioning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of Trust among Member States<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Distrust, especially between <\/span><b>larger and smaller nations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, hampers regional cohesion.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Pakistan\u2019s frequent opposition to India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-led initiatives, such as the SAARC Satellite and Motor Vehicles Agreement, demonstrates this issue.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Weak Economic Integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intra-regional trade within South Asia remains at a mere <\/span><b>5.6% of the region\u2019s total trade, far below ASEAN&#8217;s 25%.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Non-tariff barriers, protectionist policies, and inadequate connectivity infrastructure exacerbate the problem.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The<\/span><b> South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has had limited success since its inception in 2006.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Structural and Decision-Making Weaknesses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC&#8217;s requirement for unanimity in <\/span><b>decision-making <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">often leads to<\/span><b> deadlocks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important agreements, such as the <\/span><b>SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement and Regional Railways Agreement, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remain unsigned due to lack of consensus.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Scope under the SAARC Charter<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The charter<\/span><b> restricts SAARC to dealing only with multilateral issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>excluding bilateral disputes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This limits its ability to address pressing issues like<\/span><b> India-Pakistan conflicts or cross-border terrorism.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perception of India\u2019s Dominance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Smaller member states perceive <\/span><b>India as a<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dominant <\/span><b>&#8220;Big Brother,&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> creating apprehension and resistance to cooperation.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This sentiment <\/span><b>undermines trust and makes smaller countries hesitant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to engage fully in SAARC initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prioritizes bilateral relation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s foreign policy traditionally prioritizes bilateral relations with its neighbors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low Intra-Regional Investment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: According to the <\/span><b>World Bank (2021)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, intraregional investments account for <\/span><b>only 0.6% of global inward FDI in South Asia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the lowest among developing regions.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><b>lack of economic interdependence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> weakens SAARC&#8217;s relevance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Security Challenges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Differing threat perceptions among member states hinder security cooperation.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: India\u2019s concerns over<\/span><b> cross-border terrorism from Pakistan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remain unresolved, stalling progress in regional security initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rise of Alternative Regional Platforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The emergence of <\/span><b>BIMSTEC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a viable alternative has shifted focus away from SAARC.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BIMSTEC\u2019s focus on <\/span><b>connectivity and shared objectives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among its members has garnered more political and economic commitment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>External Influences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>China\u2019s increasing influence in South Asia <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">through initiatives like the <\/span><b>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> creates divisions within SAARC.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Pakistan\u2019s alignment with China<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contrasts sharply with India\u2019s cautious approach, adding to the discord.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Internal Instability in Member States<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Political instability within member states diverts attention from regional commitments.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>Afghanistan\u2019s uncertain participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the<\/span><b> Taliban takeover in 2021<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Logistical Inefficiencies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: According to the <\/span><b>Brookings Institution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Owing to <\/span><b>protectionist policies, high logistics cost, lack of political will<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a broader trust deficit, intra-regional trade in South Asia remains well below its potential at 5% of the region\u2019s global trade.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiatives like the <\/span><b>South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, though implemented in 2006, have seen <\/span><b>minimal success <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in fostering trade and investment in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is<\/span><b> 20% cheaper for India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to<\/span><b> trade with Brazil<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than with neighboring SAARC countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6975%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>About BIMSTEC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-146384 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/102-67583df160752.webp\" alt=\"SAARC\" width=\"401\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/102-67583df160752.webp 597w, https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/102-67583df160752-273x300.webp 273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BIMSTEC is a <\/span><b>multilateral regional organization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> established with the aim of accelerating shared growth and cooperation between<\/span><b> littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was founded as <\/span><b>BIST-EC, in June 1997, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with the adoption of the<\/span><b> Bangkok Declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with <\/span><b>Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as members.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It became<\/span><b> BIMST-EC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) with the <\/span><b>entry of Myanmar in late 1997<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And eventually, it was named in its current form, when <\/span><b>Nepal and Bhutan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> became members in <\/span><b>2004.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Secretariat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dhaka, Bangladesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Membership:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It has a total of <\/span><b>seven membe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">r countries:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Five from South Asia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Two from Southeast Asia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including Myanmar and Thailand.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BIMSTEC region brings together <\/span><b>1.67 billion people and a combined GDP of around US$ 3.71 trillion.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Should India prioritize BIMSTEC at the expense of SAARC?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Arguments for:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Reduced Political Tension<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s as BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Greater Regional Integration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Strategic Significance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BIMSTEC aligns with India\u2019s Act East Policy, through projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit and Trilateral Highway\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Growing Relevance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> BIMSTEC summits and agreements have shown progress, whereas SAARC has not held a summit since 2014 due to political conflicts\u200b<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Arguments Against:\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Shared South Asian Identity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAARC is vital for addressing South Asia-specific challenges like poverty, health, and climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Risk of Regional Fragmentation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sidelining SAARC may weaken regional unity, leaving South Asia vulnerable to external geopolitical influences like China&#8217;s Belt and Road Initiative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Existing Frameworks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Institutions like SAFTA and SAARC Development Fund, can be revitalized for economic and developmental cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By balancing both forums via Issue-Based Cooperation, India can maximize its regional and strategic influence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Significance of SAARC for India<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthening Neighborhood First Policy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC aligns with India\u2019s focus on <\/span><b>fostering stronger ties with its immediate neighbors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, promoting regional cooperation and development.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It provides a <\/span><b>structured platform to address shared challenges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as poverty and climate change, in collaboration with South Asian countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Soft Power Projection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: SAARC enables India to exert its influence as a <\/span><b>dominant regional player. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiatives like the <\/span><b>South Asian University in Delhi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enhance India&#8217;s cultural and educational appeal across member states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Countering China\u2019s Influence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reviving SAARC allows <\/span><b>India to balance China\u2019s growing influence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through the<\/span><b> Belt and Road Initiative b<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">y fostering economic and infrastructure collaborations within the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boosting Regional Stability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Through SAARC, India can promote <\/span><b>trust-building measures, particularly with Pakistan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring that regional interests take precedence over bilateral disputes.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can help foster a stable environment essential for economic growth and regional peace.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic Opportunities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Revitalizing SAARC could open up<\/span><b> larger regional markets for Indian companies,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> especially in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and services.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The full implementation of<\/span><b> SAFTA can lower trade barriers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, boosting India\u2019s exports and reducing trade deficits with neighbors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boost to Act East Policy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> By linking South Asian economies with Southeast Asia, SAARC can further<\/span><b> India\u2019s Act East Policy, promoting economic integration and growth,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> particularly benefiting India\u2019s underdeveloped eastern regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Way Forward for Reviving SAARC<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reforming Decision-Making<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Replace the <\/span><b>consensus-based approach with majority voting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure that vital regional projects and initiatives are not stalled by bilateral disagreements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Foster India-Pakistan Dialogue: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiate <\/span><b>confidence-building measures <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and create a neutral platform for dialogue between India and Pakistan to address critical issues like terrorism and trade barriers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus on Economic Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prioritize <\/span><b>regional connectivity projects s<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uch as cross-border energy grids, railways, and road networks to enhance trade and interdependence among member states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote People-to-People Ties<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>Expand cultural, academic, and tourism exchanges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to build trust and goodwill, reducing political tensions indirectly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conflict Resolution Platform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Use SAARC as a <\/span><b>forum for confidence-building measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, keeping dialogue open even amid political conflicts, particularly between India and Pakistan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Leverage Climate Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Develop <\/span><b>collective strategies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to address climate change, focusing on disaster management, renewable energy projects, and sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cultural Affinity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAARC represents the <\/span><b>shared cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical identity <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of South Asia, emphasizing the region\u2019s natural geographic and social connections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Integrate with Larger Goals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Align SAARC\u2019s agenda with<\/span><b> India\u2019s Act East Policy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by linking South Asia with Southeast Asia, fostering greater regional economic and strategic integration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc\/pw-only-ias?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>SAARC&#8217;s challenges <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are deeply rooted in political conflicts, structural inefficiencies, and economic underperformance. Comprehensive reforms, such as<\/span><b> flexible decision-making, prioritizing regional trade, and resolving political disputes,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are necessary to revive SAARC\u2019s relevance and fulfill its mandate. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It shall not only be in moments of crisis that SAARC nations build consensus. A unified approach to achieving peace, stability and growth shall be the compass guiding future SAARC meetings and reaping benefits of the Asian Century.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<span class=\"vc_button\"><b>Additional Reading: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-notes\/saarc-safta\/#south-asian-free-trade-agreement-safta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC)<\/b><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6375%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 111.19%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Also Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Editorials<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Main Answer Writing<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Test Series<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On December 8th, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked 39 years since its establishment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":146395,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"paper-wise":[2084],"subject":[2102],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/146434"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/current-affairs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146434"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/146434\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":146438,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/146434\/revisions\/146438"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146434"},{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=146434"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=146434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}