SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 

Fight against terrorism:

• The war against a common enemy like terrorism must unite members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and not divide them. 
• SAARC will become irrelevant if cross-border terrorism is not addressed. SAARC with a counter-terror focus follows India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan citing “cross-border terrorism”, “imposed war” and “interference” from Pakistan, and canceled planned participation in the November SAARC summit in Islamabad. 
• It is a menace that has taken a heavy toll on the economic and social fabric of almost all our countries. Terrorism poses an existential threat to the civilized world, and it must be defeated. No country should ever be allowed to facilitate or allow cross-border terrorism. 
• The security situation is deteriorating because of terror and terrorism which cannot be tolerated. And the worst form of terrorism is crossborder terrorism. 
• All the leaders of South Asia must unite and take a firm stand and decisive action to eliminate terrorism which stands as an obstacle to the achievement of the goals that we envision for the region.