Why Myanmar Is Not In Saarc: A Closer Look At Regional Dynamics

Is Myanmar a member of the SAARC? No, Myanmar is not a part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka (as of August 2, 2023). Myanmar’s exclusion from this regional grouping is an important aspect to note when discussing SAARC and its members.

Why is Burma distinct from South Asia? Despite Burma’s historical separation from the rest of South Asia, which resulted from a colonial partition imposed during the era of British rule, the reasons behind this division were complex and were deeply rooted in the internal administrative policies of the British Empire. This separation had significant and lasting consequences, and it was a decision that faced considerable opposition and debate.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional organization founded on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with the primary goal of promoting cooperation and collaboration among South Asian countries. This idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was initially proposed in November 1980. However, it’s important to note that not all countries in the South Asian region are members of SAARC. One notable example of a country that is not a member is Thailand. Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is not part of the SAARC organization. This regional association plays a crucial role in addressing various regional issues and fostering diplomatic relations among its member nations.