Regional and Interregional Cooperation in South Asia: The Interplay between SAARC and QUAD

Abstract

This research paper examines the dynamics of regional cooperation in South Asia through the lenses of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the interregional cooperation under Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). SAARC, established in 1985, aims to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite initial promise, SAARC has been hampered by geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, leading to stagnation in integration efforts. In contrast, the QUAD—comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—emerged in 2007 as a response to regional security challenges and was revived in 2017 amid rising Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. The paper explores the histories, objectives, achievements, and challenges of both frameworks, highlighting their intersection in South Asian geopolitics. India's dual participation underscores a shift toward broader Indo-Pacific strategies, often countering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The analysis reveals how QUAD's evolution impacts SAARC's relevance, potentially fragmenting regional cooperation while addressing security gaps. Future prospects suggest SAARC's revival hinges on resolving bilateral disputes, while QUAD may deepen practical collaborations. Drawing on diverse sources, this paper argues for balanced multilateralism to enhance stability in South Asia. The research concludes that the QUAD has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the regional order by deterring Chinese aggression, promoting alternative partnerships for regional countries, and reinforcing adherence to international norms. However, the QUAD's effectiveness hinges on its ability to address its limitations, maintain open communication with China, and build broader regional support for its objectives.