Now Reading: Maldives push to revive Saarc hits India-Pakistan impasse
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Maldives push to revive Saarc hits India-Pakistan impasse
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on July 26 called for the resumption of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) meetings, which have been suspended for 12 years. Muizzu said his country was ready to serve as a mediator to revive the bloc, calling it essential for regional peace and stability.
Bangladesh also issued a similar call last month, making Saarc's revival a core foreign policy priority. However, observers say the request is likely to go unheeded due to tensions between India and Pakistan, two of the most influential members of the eight-nation grouping.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Saarc has not held a summit since 2014, when India pulled out of the planned Islamabad meeting after a cross-border attack. The bloc's charter requires unanimity, giving any member an effective veto. India has long insisted that bilateral issues cannot be discussed at Saarc forums, a stance that blocks progress while Pakistan raises Kashmir. Without a thaw between New Delhi and Islamabad, no amount of smaller-nation diplomacy will restart the process. The next test will come at the UN General Assembly in September, where leaders may hold informal talks.
Source: scmp.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
