Can SAARC Make a Comeback? Maldives Steps Forward to Revive Regional Bloc

The Maldives has offered to play a proactive role in reviving the long-stalled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with President Mohamed Muizzu saying his country is ready to facilitate dialogue among member nations to restore the regional grouping after nearly a decade of inactivity.

Addressing the 61st Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, Muizzu described SAARC as a vital platform for strengthening regional cooperation and promoting stability across South Asia. He expressed concern that the organisation has remained largely inactive for the past nine years and stressed that restoring regular engagement among member countries is crucial for regional peace and development.

The SAARC, which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan, last held its summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, in November 2014. The next summit, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in 2016, was cancelled after several member countries, including India, decided not to participate following heightened concerns over cross-border terrorism. Since then, summit-level meetings have remained suspended due to a lack of consensus among member states.

Muizzu reiterated that the Maldives has consistently supported the peaceful resolution of disputes and is willing to take the initiative in encouraging dialogue if member nations face difficulties in resuming talks.

He urged countries with differing viewpoints to come together, prioritise regional peace and economic development, and work cooperatively to rebuild trust within the bloc. According to him, the Maldives is prepared to act as a facilitator to help restart discussions and strengthen regional collaboration.

Established in 1985 with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, the organisation was created to promote economic growth, social progress, and cooperation among South Asian nations. Today, the SAARC region is home to nearly 1.9 billion people, accounting for around 24% of the world's population, with a combined economy valued at approximately USD 5 trillion.

Muizzu's remarks come at a time when questions continue to be raised over the future relevance of SAARC, even as other regional forums have gained greater prominence in South Asia