SOUTH ASIAN INTEGRATION – AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh - the three major South Asian Countries along with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and now the new entrant Afghanistan together constitute the official political organisation of this region namely – SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co Operation). With the recent trends across different parts of the world, the Economic and sometimes even Socio-political integration of groups of countries happening, on a regional basis, it is high time that our own SAARC member countries wake up to this need here, and set aside decades of animosity and hostilities.
Economic prosperity and clout will define the future world. As we go further into the 21st century, the competition between nations will be more and more for economic prosperity and forwardness and military might will loose as the pre-eminent criterion. In such a scenario, India too needs to run the race as hard as it can. India is a huge country, with over 1.21 billion people, it has the second largest population in the world and is all set to overtake even China in the next 10-12 years. The Country is posting a very robust economic growth since about mid -90s and is sure to surpass most European economic giants in the next 10-15 years. But this growth rate can be accelerated even further if India comes into an economic pact with it’s 7 other neighbouring countries.
THE EUROPEAN MODEL
It is an experiment which has proved itself, it shows clearly that the European Continent is way ahead of the other parts of the world in level of civilizational values. Most of the European countries have integrated their economies into a European Union, having a common currency, common market and unbelievably with even elements of common foreign and defence policies. This European Model is much more closely knit than a confederation of nations, but falls short of describing itself as a full fledged federation of states. It’s an idea, way ahead of the current times, it’s a dream which the world is emulating.
OTHER REGIONAL BLOCS – IN MAKING
The European model has triggered competitive integrations in at least three other major parts of the world. In 1999, African Union was born, as a successor of Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was largely considered a failed experiment. African Union is framed on the European Union Model. It aims to create a common African currency by 2023 and a common African Market by 2028. It ultimately aims to integrate Africa economically, culturally and perhaps at a later date even politically.
Then we have reports doing rounds that USA, Canada and Mexico are planning their own economic Union, it is highly deplored by the conservatives in the USA, as they fear loss of American (USA’s identity). Then there is the South American Union being planned by Brazil, Argentina and other countries in Latin America, with a common currency and common markets in the near future.
LESSONS FOR SOUTH ASIA
The European Union has helped their economies immensely. And it is expected that African Union and the two American Unions will also be a success. It is the right time the Eight Countries in the region, (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives) commit themselves to their economic welfare and thus create a common market (without any trade barriers) and a common currency. This would help Big Brother India as it’s companies would get access to the rich mineral resources in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. And this would also help all other countries (Other than India) as their companies would get huge Indian markets to access. It would be a great synergy and of big benefit to all the countries in the region.
SAARC is the largest regional grouping in the world in terms of population. If we unite in this manner, the region would become a force to reckon with. It can also solve problems of terrorism and illegal immigration for all times to come. What prevents this from happening is that which Pakistan Calls the Core issue in it’s relationship with India-The Kashmir issue. It is a gloomy state of affairs. Pakistan has to give up it’s lust for territory. Economic Prosperity is more important than anything else. India too needs to be more flexible in the Kashmir issue. Something has to be done, Kashmir issue should not make the subcontinent bleed for long. Some middle path should be found.
OUR COMMON HERITAGE AS THE BASIS OF SOUTH ASIAN UNION
All eight countries share common cultural values and had common forefathers. Their religions are so inter-related and inter-dependent that their composite cultures (Of Hinduism and Islam, the two major Religions of the region) are said to form the combined River of the two river streams (Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb). A political union is too far fetched, it should not be demanded at this stage. But only an economic union can solve, quickly and completely, the problems of this region – Widespread poverty, Hunger and Starvation, Diseases, Population explosion, chronic unemployment, etc.
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