Pakistan and China are in advanced talks to establish a new regional organisation aimed at replacing the long-defunct South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), diplomatic sources revealed. The move is seen as a fresh attempt to foster regional integration and connectivity among South Asian nations sidelined by SAARC’s collapse.
The initiative gained momentum following a recent trilateral meeting between senior diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh in Kunming on June 19. The rare diplomatic engagement marked a significant step in laying the groundwork for a broader alliance and reportedly raised concerns in India, which has historically been at odds with SAARC’s revival efforts.
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Sources say the proposed bloc will invite all former SAARC members, including India. However, given India’s divergent strategic interests and its frosty ties with both Pakistan and China, its participation appears unlikely. Other countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan are expected to show interest in joining the new grouping.
The envisioned organisation would prioritize regional cooperation through trade, infrastructure, and connectivity—objectives SAARC largely failed to achieve due to persistent political tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India. SAARC has not held a summit in nearly a decade, and recent developments, including India’s withdrawal of special visa facilities for Pakistani businessmen, further signaled its demise.
Observers note that India’s reluctance to align with China-led regional platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), also points to broader geopolitical recalibrations in the region. The new proposed bloc, if realized, could redefine South Asia’s political and economic landscape.
