SAARC is an economic and political organisation of eight countries in South Asia formed on December 8, 1985, by the Dhaka Declaration, with its headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Members
- Member Countries: Afghanistan (joined in 2007), Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
- Observer Countries: Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea, and the United States.
- Promotion of the welfare and quality of life of people in South Asia.
- Acceleration of economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
- Promotion and strengthening of collective self-reliance.
- Mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of each other’s problems.
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of member states and respect for sovereignty.
Key Areas of Focus
- Economic cooperation, like SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area).
- Social development in the areas of health, education, and poverty alleviation.
- Environment and climate change — joint action plans.
- Agriculture and rural development.
- Science and technology cooperation.
- Terrorism prevention and security cooperation.
Source: The Hindu