India Blames Pakistan for Stalling SAARC Revival, Says Regional Cooperation Needs Goodwill

India has once again underscored its commitment to regional cooperation while taking a pointed swipe at Pakistan, stating that everyone in South Asia is aware of the country and activities responsible for preventing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from functioning effectively. The remarks came amid renewed appeals from the Maldives to revive the regional bloc.

Speaking during the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently supported stronger regional cooperation over the years but stressed that meaningful collaboration requires mutual trust and goodwill.

Without directly naming Pakistan, Jaiswal remarked that countries across South Asia understand which nation and what actions have hindered SAARC’s progress. He added that genuine regional cooperation cannot succeed without an atmosphere of confidence and constructive engagement.

The statement was made in response to questions regarding Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent call for reviving SAARC. Addressing his country’s Independence Day celebrations, Muizzu urged member nations to overcome political differences through dialogue and resume the regional cooperation process in the interest of peace, economic development and stability across South Asia.

India has maintained that cross-border terrorism remains the principal obstacle to normal regional engagement. New Delhi has repeatedly argued that terrorism and regional cooperation cannot progress simultaneously, a position that has shaped its approach towards SAARC in recent years.

SAARC comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The regional organisation has remained largely inactive for several years, with summit-level meetings failing to resume due to prolonged political and diplomatic tensions among member states.

In recent years, India has increasingly focused on alternative regional platforms such as BIMSTEC, viewing them as more effective mechanisms for promoting economic connectivity, security cooperation and regional development. Analysts believe New Delhi’s latest remarks reaffirm its long-standing position that any revival of SAARC will depend on an environment free from terrorism and supported by genuine political goodwill among member states.