Pakistan Gains Momentum in Forming New SAARC Without India, Bangladesh Signals Support

Dhaka: Pakistan has reportedly made significant progress in its effort to form a new regional bloc in South Asia, deliberately excluding India. Bangladesh has now indicated a willingness to join the initiative, giving Islamabad a crucial boost.

Bangladesh’s Response

According to reports, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor, Tauhid Hussain, confirmed on Wednesday that Dhaka sees no strategic issue in joining a regional alliance with Pakistan that does not include India. His remarks are seen as a response to statements by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been advocating for a tripartite initiative between Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.

Hussain added that while Bangladesh could feasibly join such a bloc, it would be difficult for Nepal or Bhutan to do so, given their closer ties with India. He also noted that Dar’s proposal shows potential for progress at some stage.

Strategic Context

In recent months, Pakistan-India relations have seen slight improvement, whereas India-Bangladesh ties have deteriorated. Since the establishment of Bangladesh’s interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, Pakistan has reportedly increased its influence in Dhaka. Islamabad’s goal appears to be forming a strong regional front with China and Bangladesh, effectively reducing India’s regional dominance.

Pakistan’s Intentions

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently highlighted that a tripartite initiative with China and Bangladesh has been launched, with the potential to expand to other regional nations. The traditional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has largely remained inactive due to India-Pakistan tensions. Pakistan’s new proposal envisions a SAARC-like organization excluding India, allowing it to pursue a strategic agenda without Indian participation.

Early Diplomatic Steps

In June this year, diplomats from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh engaged in tripartite discussions on regional stability, laying the groundwork for a potential new bloc. Pakistan now aims to move forward with this initiative, although convincing most South Asian countries to join without India remains a significant challenge.