OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

path to diversify her energy sources in view of rising dynamics of Indian Ocean. It is broadening relations
with Afghanistan and also investing heavily there which will gradually increase her stakes / leverage.
Role of Regional Organizations
Challenges
Regional Organizations. Countries of South and Central Asia are part of regional organizations
such as SAARC, ECO and SCO. However, the level of cooperation is below potential. Since regional
peace and prosperity is affected by Afghan situation, a regional effort is necessary to play a proactive
role in Afghanistan. Sincere efforts are needed by SAARC members to vitalize the organization and
also implement SAFTA through fast-track measures for effective inter-regional cooperation. The
main challenge for ECO Member States is to build a collective will and cooperate on the basis of
mutuality of benefits. SCO, with all main players within its fold, wields maximum influence in the
region as an organization.
Implications on Inter-Regional Cooperation. A further analysis of the interests of various players,
both individually as well as through existing organizations, highlights certain diverse interests with
regards to cooperation between South and Central Asia. The prominent ones are:-
• US favours a better cooperation between the two regions. Her long term presence in Afghanistan
will increase her influence on the regional dynamics.
• Russia wants to retain her erstwhile control over energy resources of Central Asia; nevertheless,
visualizing the inevitability of southwards opening of CARs, has decided to be part of it. Yet,
predominantly it remains Central Asia oriented.
• China probably views the economic development of both the regions as complementary to her
own objectives.
• Indian investments in Iranian infrastructure do not go along with the envisioned cooperation
between South and Central Asia. Iran, a member / observer of all organizations, appears to have
differing aspirations with regards to cooperation between South and Central Asia.
• All the regional organizations aim to improve cooperation between the member states, however,
with respect to fomenting integration between South and Central Asia, SAARC and SCO could
drive the cause better collectively. However, in view of the past successes, SCO has the biggest
potential to bring to realization the integration between two regions. Views of influential players
about ECO relegate its place in this context. While agreeing to the idea that all these
organizations could function in their own right, the member states need to find out a mechanism
to put the things on right track.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PAKISTAN
Afghan Crisis. The major challenge is worsening security situation in Afghanistan. Being the direct
and largest affectee of Afghan situation, Pakistan faces a serious challenge on the western borders.
Indo- Pak Rivalry. Indo-Pak rivalry is another stumbling block in not only integrating South and
Central Asia but more seriously within South Asia. Its various dimensions with respect to the subject
under discussion could be:-
• Negative competition in Central Asian markets will be detrimental to both.
• Any race in Afghanistan will run tangent to the peace efforts.
• Without genuine implementation of SAFTA, real progress towards integrating both the regions
will be difficult.
• Indian meddling in Balochistan with repercussions on providing CARs access to Gwadar port.
• Agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan on the margins of NAM summit in Tehran in
August 2012 to promote an ambitious trilateral economic partnership. 38
External Factors. Few challenges posed by the interests of external players are:-
• Indo-US collaboration, including nuclear deal, and anti-China strategy.
• US long term stay in Afghanistan due to resultant implications on Pak-US relations and internal
stability.
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 6 June 2013