Pakistan forms new bloc with China and Bangladesh; Experts say it is ‘twisted form of SAARC’; Why should India be alarmed?

New Delhi: A major geopolitical shift is being witnessed in South Asia, with Pakistan at its centre. Pakistan is instigating countries in the region against India(BHARAT) to further its own interests. China and Bangladesh are supporting Pakistan in this. These three countries are proposing to other South Asian countries to join a new SAARC. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been inactive for a long time. The main reason for this is Pakistan’s terrorist activities. This is why India(BHARAT) has boycotted SAARC.

Bangladesh joins China and Pakistan

After the regime change in Bangladesh and the rise of Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan saw a great opportunity. China is also openly supporting Pakistan in this. Pakistan is now proposing to all South Asian countries to join a new regional alliance. However, apart from these three countries, no other country has shown any interest in Pakistan’s proposal, as they know that any such alliance without India(BHARAT) is meaningless. Therefore, this proposal by Pakistan remains only on paper, and there are very bleak chances of it materialising.

What did Pakistan say?

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said last week that other South Asian countries could join a growing trilateral initiative between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. He described it as a new form of “variable geometry” cooperation, meaning flexible partnerships on technology, connectivity, and economic growth. In essence, this idea is similar to a new SAARC, but designed to operate without India(BHARAT). China, despite not being a South Asian country, would be included.

Will the new alliance be successful?

Ishaq Dar claims that the aim of this new group is cooperation, not confrontation. However, experts believe that its real target is India(BHARAT). This is because India(BHARAT) boycotted the SAARC meeting chaired by Pakistan, a move that was supported by other member countries. This has angered Pakistan, which is now trying to bypass India(BHARAT) and form a new bloc. Mohammed Yunus is openly pursuing an anti-India(BHARAT) foreign policy. Therefore, he is also enthusiastic about this supposed new form of SAARC, and it is possible that Bangladesh might join it under his leadership.