Sunday, July, 13,2025

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REVIVAL OF SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organisation of South Asian nations established on 8 December, 1985 to promote regional cooperation and development. The SAARC consists of eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The primary goals of SAARC are to enhance economic growth, improve living standards, and foster peace and stability in the region through collaborative efforts in areas like trade, education, health, and infrastructure. In the beginning, despite extremely difficult political circumstances, SAARC has managed to create situations, institutions and forums where Heads of State could go into talks together. SAARC has tackled important topics for the region such as a social charter, development agreements and even the sensitive subject of fighting terrorism. SAARC Heads of State have been holding summits every two years but the last one was in Kathmandu in 2014. There has been no summit meet after cancellation of 2016 summit meet in Islamabad after a Pak sponsored terror attack in India. Thereafter, the SAARC has been on path of decline and almost getting irrelevant or, one can say, defunct. Most of the programs or activities are confined to holding seminars, workshops and short training courses. Political, diplomatic, and military tensions threaten the security and stability of the region. They are recurrent hindrances to economic and social progress and a threat to human rights and liberty. The Pahalgam terror attacks sponsored by Pakistan leading to Indo-Pak conflict, Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine war have all made the global security situation fragile and deteriorating economic situation has been compounded by the US tariff regime. All these events have necessitated revival of SAARC to meet the challenges of the future and stability in South Asian region.

Taking advantage of stagnation of SAARC both Pakistan and China are reportedly conniving to establish a new regional organisation with an overt aim to enhance cooperation in South Asia and covertly undermining and isolating India. The recent trilateral meeting involving Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh in Kunming is claimed to be a pivotal moment in trying to form a new alliance in the region, however Bangladesh’s interim government has dismissed the notion of a formal alliance and their head of interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has called for the revival of the spirit of SAARC, stressing that the eight-member organisation can solve many of the region’s pressing issues. Yet it is likely that new organisation would extend invitations to other South Asian countries previously involved in SAARC. Being one of the powerful players in the region, India is expected to be included, along with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan. As being the largest economy in the region, India is not part of this bloc it will cast shadows on its viability and effectiveness. The new organisation is being seen as a potential alternative for enhancing trade and connectivity across the region, addressing the current gaps left by SAARC. India’s response has to be carefully weighed to safeguard own national interests as SAARC had just One member as adversary, but the new alliance will have Two.

Despite challenges, India continued supporting SAARC through initiatives such as the launch of the South Asian Satellite and the establishment of the South Asian University. These initiatives have strengthened regional collaboration in technology, education, and research. Even the 2020 Covid initiative by India failed to make SAARC responsive. India has maintained that SAARC’s development is being hindered by crossborder terrorism from one of its member nations and stoppage of summit meetings has virtually made SAARC defunct and after 2014 Summit. This persistent issue led India to shift focus towards more productive and like-minded partnerships such as BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation- a regional organization comprising 7 member states - India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) and BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Initiative, I2U2, and the Quad. These alliances prioritise connectivity, trade, and regional security while excluding Pakistan. By increasingly aligning towards these sub-regional groupings, India has not only taken care of safeguarding its national interests in case of China- Pak nexus trying to isolate India in the garb of new alternate alliance to SAARC, but also retained status of an influential power in the region. It appears that while Beijing and Islamabad may float a new bloc, New Delhi has already moved on with look East policy strengthening regional cooperation with its South Asian neighbours.

However, India has to focus on further improving its relations and develop stronger economic and political bondage with its neighbours. Now more than ever, India must strive to create an environment of cooperation that has the potential to uplift all SAARC members, fostering regional prosperity, security, and resilience and save South Asia region from growing interference of extra regional powers and especially Chinese influence.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Col Rajesh Bhukar, The writer is a Post Graduate in International Studies, Alumni of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Combat, Mhow

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Daily Astro

13-07-2025

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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13-07-2025