India has strongly reiterated its position on regional cooperation, indirectly pointing at Pakistan as the country responsible for obstructing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). 

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that goodwill is essential for cooperation, while highlighting India’s decades-long commitment to strengthening regional ties.

During a regular media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India favours strong regional cooperation and has consistently worked towards it.

He remarked that everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and which activities are stymieing SAARC. He underlined that cooperation requires goodwill, a clear reference to Pakistan’s role in blocking progress.

The remarks came in response to queries regarding Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent appeal to revive SAARC. Muizzu had urged member states to resolve differences through dialogue and offered Maldives as a mediator to break the deadlock.

His comments were made during the Independence Day ceremony marking 61 years of Maldives’ independence, attended by 113 diplomats from 43 countries and international organisations.

India’s statement reflects its long-standing frustration with Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, which has stalled dialogue between the two countries. Pakistan’s actions have also included aggression against Afghanistan, further complicating regional stability.

These activities have paralysed SAARC, preventing it from fulfilling its mandate of fostering cooperation and integration across South Asia.

The SAARC grouping, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was established to promote economic cooperation and regional development. However, the organisation has remained largely inactive in recent years due to political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan.

Bangladesh has also voiced support for reviving SAARC. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed recently outlined measures to strengthen the organisation, including stronger implementation capacity, greater financial strength, more effective specialised mechanisms, and a practical culture of follow-up. Obaed suggested convening a senior officials’ meeting and even a special session of the Council of Ministers to re-energise the grouping.

India’s position underscores that while it remains committed to regional cooperation, progress cannot be achieved without goodwill and constructive engagement. The statement highlights that the responsibility for the current deadlock lies with Pakistan’s actions, which have undermined trust and stability in the region.

In addition to SAARC-related queries, Jaiswal addressed questions on India-China border trade. He confirmed that in August 2025, both sides had agreed to resume border trade through three designated trading points—Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass—and that steps are being taken forward accordingly. This reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise and expand economic engagement despite broader geopolitical challenges.

Jaiswal also noted that an invitation has been extended to the Prime Minister of Nepal to visit India, signalling India’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties with its neighbours and reinforce regional diplomacy.

India’s remarks, combined with Maldives’ and Bangladesh’s recent calls, place renewed focus on the future of SAARC. The grouping, if revived, could play a significant role in addressing shared challenges such as economic instability, security concerns and development needs across South Asia. 

However, the path forward remains contingent on Pakistan’s willingness to abandon destabilising activities and engage constructively.

ANI