📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / The President's Office, Maldives
International
Maldives Urges SAARC Revival; India and Pakistan Show No Interest
✍️ South China Morning Post
🗓 09 Aug 2026, 04:38 PM
👁 4
The Maldives has called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), but the proposal has met with resistance from India and Pakistan, who have expressed limited interest in a renewed bloc.
The Maldives has formally requested the revival of SAARC, citing the need for regional cooperation on security, trade and climate issues.
The Maldives’ appeal was met with a muted response from India and Pakistan, both of which have historically been cautious about SAARC’s effectiveness.
India has indicated that it prefers a more focused partnership framework, while Pakistan has expressed concerns over the bloc’s ability to address cross-border tensions.
With both major powers showing limited enthusiasm, the Maldives’ push for a SAARC restart faces significant hurdles.
The Maldives’ appeal was met with a muted response from India and Pakistan, both of which have historically been cautious about SAARC’s effectiveness.
India has indicated that it prefers a more focused partnership framework, while Pakistan has expressed concerns over the bloc’s ability to address cross-border tensions.
With both major powers showing limited enthusiasm, the Maldives’ push for a SAARC restart faces significant hurdles.