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Abstract
This article explores the untapped potential for regional maritime cooperation among the member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It argues that despite the fact that most SAARC members are littoral states with significant maritime interests, this domain has been largely neglected in the regional cooperation agenda. The study identifies key areas where cooperation could yield substantial benefits, including the management of marine resources (fisheries), the protection of the marine environment, maritime safety and security (including anti-piracy and search and rescue), and the development of shipping and port infrastructure. The research examines the existing institutional and legal frameworks and identifies the political and strategic obstacles, particularly the trust deficit between member states, that have hindered progress. The paper concludes by advocating for the inclusion of maritime cooperation as a priority area for SAARC, suggesting that functional cooperation in this domain could be a powerful confidence-building measure.
Full Text
While the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has traditionally focused on land-based economic and social issues, the vast maritime domain of its member states represents a significant and underexploited area for cooperation. This paper makes a strong case for placing maritime cooperation at the center of the SAARC agenda. The analysis begins by mapping the extensive maritime zones and vital sea lines of communication in the northern Indian Ocean, highlighting the shared interests of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in this sphere. The core of the study is a detailed exploration of specific areas for potential cooperation. In the economic sphere, it discusses the potential for joint management of straddling fish stocks to prevent overfishing and the development of a regional shipping line to boost intra-regional trade. In the environmental sphere, it calls for a coordinated regional response to marine pollution and the development of a joint action plan for managing the impacts of climate change on coastal areas. In the security domain, it proposes cooperation in combating non-traditional threats like smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism. The findings suggest that the functional, technical nature of many of these issues could provide a less politicized avenue for cooperation than the more contentious land-based disputes. The paper concludes that a concerted focus on the maritime sector could not only bring tangible economic and environmental benefits but could also serve as a vital new pathway for building trust and fostering a sense of regional community in South Asia.