In a significant geopolitical development, fresh reports indicate that China and Pakistan are spearheading efforts to form a new regional bloc as an alternative to SAARC, with the clear intent of sidelining India. According to a report by Pakistan’s The Express Tribune, advanced-level discussions between Islamabad and Beijing are already underway for creating a new regional grouping aimed at fostering closer cooperation among select South Asian nations—excluding India.
Meeting Held in Kunming, Bangladesh Present
On June 19, a crucial meeting took place in Kunming, China, where talks regarding the formation of this alternative alliance were reportedly held. Notably, Bangladesh also participated in the meeting. This gathering follows a previous trilateral meeting in May involving China, Pakistan, and Taliban-governed Afghanistan, which focused on expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and enhancing regional cooperation under the Islamic Emirate.
The Express Tribune notes that the ultimate goal of the Kunming meeting was to invite other South Asian countries—previously part of SAARC—to join the new bloc. The initiative is being portrayed as a response to the stagnation of SAARC and the emerging strategic dynamics in the region.
Background: SAARC’s Dormancy
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The founding members were India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Afghanistan joined in 2007, making it eight members. However, the organization has been dormant since 2016.
The last SAARC summit took place in Kathmandu in 2014, and since then, no major gathering has occurred. The 19th summit was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November 2016 but was boycotted by India following the Uri terror attack, which claimed the lives of 17 Indian soldiers. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan also withdrew, citing regional security concerns and interference, leading to the summit’s cancellation.
India’s Efforts to Revive SAARC
Despite SAARC’s inactivity, India has attempted to rejuvenate regional cooperation through it. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a video conference among SAARC leaders to discuss COVID-19 response strategies. During the meeting, Modi pledged a contribution of millions of dollars to the SAARC Emergency Fund for COVID-19, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional collaboration.
However, Pakistan’s role in SAARC has often been counterproductive, using the platform for spreading anti-India narratives rather than contributing constructively. India’s frustration has grown due to Pakistan’s alignment with China, especially as both nations continue to undermine Indian interests across multilateral platforms.
New Bloc: Who Might Join?
The Express Tribune report claims that countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan could potentially join this new bloc. While Bangladesh did attend the Kunming meeting, it has officially denied any intention of forming an alliance with China and Pakistan. Dhaka’s foreign affairs advisor clarified that the meeting was held at an official—not political—level and denied the presence of any agenda resembling an alliance or political grouping.
Nevertheless, political sources quoted in the report suggest that India may be invited to join the new group, though such an invitation would likely be declined due to India’s strategic and diplomatic reservations.
Strategic Implications for India
This maneuver appears to be another attempt by Pakistan and China to corner India diplomatically within South Asia. With SAARC already weakened and India advocating for regional cooperation through more effective forums, the China-Pakistan push for a new bloc is seen as a tactical counterweight.
Recent incidents, such as India’s protest during the SCO meeting over the omission of the Pahalgam terror attack, further highlight the increasing marginalization of Indian security concerns in regional forums where China and Pakistan have influence.
The formation of a China-led bloc, especially if it manages to woo smaller SAARC members, could be aimed at creating an anti-India front in the region. Pakistan has repeatedly tried to use multilateral platforms to gain financial support and attack India diplomatically, and this new initiative seems to be an extension of that approach.
The emerging China-Pakistan-led grouping signals a major shift in South Asia’s regional dynamics. As these nations try to reshape the landscape with Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and others, India faces a critical moment in regional diplomacy. Whether this bloc materializes or not, its intention is clear: to undermine India’s leadership in South Asia and create a platform favorable to Chinese and Pakistani strategic interests.
India’s response to this evolving challenge will be crucial in maintaining its role as the key regional player and in countering the growing influence of a China-Pakistan alliance in the neighborhood.
Disclaimer: This article is based on media reports, including The Express Tribune (Pakistan), and official statements from involved countries. The information reflects geopolitical interpretations and diplomatic developments that are subject to change.
