21/05/2026
Question: why is SAARC in COMA ?
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is often described as being in a “coma” because it is functioning, but largely inactive and ineffective compared to other regional blocs like ASEAN or the EU.
Here are the main reasons:
1. India–Pakistan conflict (biggest reason)
SAARC is heavily paralyzed by political tension between India and Pakistan. Almost every major regional initiative gets blocked or slowed due to lack of trust between the two.
2. No strong enforcement mechanism
SAARC decisions are not binding. Even if countries agree, there is no strict system to ensure implementation.
3. Limited trade integration
Intra-SAARC trade is very low (around 5% of total trade). Countries prefer trading with China, the EU, or the US instead of each other.
4. Security concerns dominate cooperation
Terrorism accusations, border disputes, and military tensions often override economic and social cooperation.
5. Weak institutional structure
SAARC Secretariat is weak, underfunded, and has limited authority compared to regional bodies like the EU Commission.
6. Bilateralism over regionalism
Countries prefer bilateral deals rather than collective SAARC agreements because they can negotiate better terms individually.
7. SAARC summit paralysis
The last full SAARC summit was in 2014 (Kathmandu). Since then, summits have been repeatedly cancelled or postponed.
In short:
SAARC is “in coma” because political rivalry—especially India vs Pakistan—has frozen regional cooperation, and the institution itself is too weak to overcome it.