Explanations:The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental organization that was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The primary objective of SAARC is to promote economic and regional cooperation among its member states, which are all located in the South Asian region. The member countries of SAARC are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan.
SAARC was formed to address common issues and challenges faced by the member states, such as poverty, underdevelopment, and economic disparities. The organization aims to enhance regional cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, technology, education, culture, and social welfare. SAARC also seeks to promote peace, stability, and mutual trust among its member states.
It is important to note that SAARC is distinct from other regional organizations such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which includes countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. These countries are not part of SAARC, as they are located in Southeast Asia rather than South Asia.
Afghanistan joined SAARC as an observer in 1993 and became a full member in 2007. This inclusion was significant as it brought a landlocked country into the fold of South Asian cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity and economic opportunities.
Understanding the member countries of SAARC is crucial for students preparing for competitive exams, as questions related to regional organizations and their member states are common in exams such as the UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT, and MAT. It is essential to remember the exact list of countries and to distinguish between SAARC and other regional organizations like ASEAN.