A new regional bloc would include countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan. India, despite tensions with Pakistan and China, would reportedly be invited to join the proposed forum. The goal of this new organization would be to enhance economic cooperation, connectivity, and promote peace and stability in the region.
The decision to establish this new regional bloc comes in the wake of the continued stalemate within SAARC, which has been largely ineffective due to longstanding issues between India and Pakistan. The last SAARC summit was held in 2014, and since then, there has been little progress in terms of regional cooperation and integration.
The proposed new regional organisation between Pakistan and China is seen as a way to fill the void left by SAARC and promote greater collaboration among South Asian countries. This move also highlights the growing partnership between Pakistan and China, who have been strengthening their ties in recent years through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
While details about the structure and functioning of the new regional bloc are still being worked out, it is clear that Pakistan and China are committed to establishing a more effective and inclusive platform for regional cooperation. This development could have significant implications for the geopolitical landscape of South Asia and beyond.
As discussions continue between Islamabad and Beijing, it remains to be seen how other countries in the region will respond to this proposal and whether the new regional bloc will be able to effectively address the challenges facing South Asia. With the potential to replace SAARC, this new organisation could play a key role in shaping the future of regional cooperation and integration in South Asia.
