Regional Integration In South Asia Research Articles

Domination of India: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Integration in South Asia

The absence of regional integration in South Asia has resulted in political, economic, and societal issues due to the interference of other powerful countries in international politics. As the regional power in South Asia, India has tremendous potential to promote regional integration. However, India's hegemonic power has caused controversial issues among South Asian neighbours, and regional integration has been further challenged. This research paper examines the challenges and opportunities for regional integration in South Asia, focusing on India's role in promoting regionalism. The study also conceptualizes the potential for regional integration in South Asia, identifying the key challenges and obstacles hindering its progress, such as political rivalries, security concerns, and economic disparities. This study is primarily based on secondary qualitative data derived from research papers, books, Journal articles, websites, meeting minutes and other web based publications. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive content analysis to address the central question of the study. The findings have emphasized that India plays a critical role in the success of regional integration in South Asia, given its size, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. However, India's domestic political and bilateral tensions, asymmetric economy, and constitutional challenges have been identified as the major drawbacks to regional integration under India's supremacy. Furthermore, economic cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and leadership at the SAARC have been identified as India's pervasive potential to promote and establish regional cooperation. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations for promoting regional integration in South Asia, focusing on India's leadership role.

Assessing the trade–connectivity linkages in South Asia in post-pandemic period: an empirical investigation

The study unravels the relationship between trade and connectivity and presents a narrative to re-energise the South Asian regional economic integration in the post-pandemic period. In addition, the study also examines the effect on conflicts and institutional factors in South Asian trade. The study uses the bilateral gravity analysis in 2SLS (Two-Stage Least Squares) framework to address the endogeneity issues. The study finds that South Asia may gain enormously if they reduce the conflicts across the border and secure improvement in both hard and soft infrastructure. Given that the trade is a dynamic concept, connectivity disruption costs cause havoc to the region, which then promotes dis-integration. Facilitating business beyond the border in post-pandemic requires an enhanced trade facilitation and connectivity in the region. The renewed and shared agenda of the South Asian regional cooperation in post-pandemic should, therefore, aim to reduce both intra- and inter- regional trade facilitation gaps as well as to expand the connectivity. The process of South Asian regional integration has to contribute to narrowing the gaps by providing resources for the development of trade infrastructure. Therefore, South Asia has to enhance its own connectivity and trade facilitation arrangement to take forward the agenda of South Asian integration.

DYNAMICS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN SOUTH ASIA: LESSONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION

Regional integration is aimed at promoting socioeconomic growth and development in a region through economic cooperation among the member states. The European Union (EU) was established to promote economic and political cooperation among member countries. EU’s unprecedented success in regional integration offers lessons for other regions. Unlike the EU, SAARC has not been successful in achieving significant economic integration among member states. Despite its potential, SAARC has been plagued by political and economic differences among member states, especially between Pakistan and India. South Asian countries are unable to boost regional integration not only because of their political differences but also due to other sub-regional and trans-regional initiatives that run anti to the spirit of regional integration under the umbrella of SAARC. India’s role towards regional integration in South Asia is considered significant being the leading nation in the region. This paper first identifies the economic and political factors that hinder regional integration in South Asia. Then, it focuses on the dynamics of successful regional integration in Europe intending to underline the lessons to be learned by the South Asian countries to boost their regional cooperation. Bibliography Entry Niaz, Muhammad Tariq and Muhammad Riaz Shad. 2023. "Dynamics of Regional Integration in South Asia: Lessons from the European Union." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 85-101.

Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India Gas Pipeline and Foreign Policy of Pakistan

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan India gas pipeline project is a component of an extensive plan to develop Asia’s interconnected energy systems. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline has a significant impact on energy security and regional integration in South Asia. This gas pipeline project can address the growing energy demand of the region. However, due to the volatility in the political landscape of South Asia and the complexity of large-scale energy projects, the project is facing a number of critical challenges that need the focus of the regional partners and stakeholders. The limited literature on the TAP gas pipeline project has focused on security hurdles to the projects from the member countries’ perspective. The research study found that the main hurdle to executing the TAP gas pipeline project in Pakistan is the country’s internal issues, a lack of investments, lack of financial resources, international pressure, the country’s regional issues and the dynamics of changing regional situations. The research study is proposed to be useful for policymakers to evaluate the implication of energy import dependency and to frame foreign policy.

REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN SOUTH ASIA: UTOPIA OR REALITY?

South Asia comprises almost one-quarter of the world’s population. It faces a host of disputes of varying natures, including armed conflicts, proxy wars, and religious and ethnic strife. Despite its deplorable state of human security and impoverished people, South Asia is considered the least integrated region globally. Approximately 1.99 billion people suffer in terms of energy, food, water and health security due to conflicts and hostile interstate relationships. This paper analyses the socio-political and security environment of the region and explores the impediments to regional integration. Focusing on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, it highlights that the idea of regional integration cannot be realized without resolving core issues. Economic cooperation between regional countries can only be achieved if integration models like the European Union and Association of South East Asian Nations are considered with necessary deviations. Bibliography Entry Niaz, Muhammad Tariq. 2022. "Regional Integration in South Asia: Utopia or Reality?" Margalla Papers 26 (1): 108-120.

Common South Asian Identity and Regional Integration in South Asia

This paper explores the avenues to evolve a common identity, in South Asia. This paper has been divided into five parts. In the first part, Identity and Regional Integration, the concepts of identity and regional integration have been defined and the need for a common identity for regional integration has been discussed. The second part, analyses South Asia as a region and the need for developing a common identity there. The third part, explores the different types of identities existing in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres of the South Asian region. In the fourth part, the challenges in evolving a common regional identity in South Asia, a region marked by diversity and myriad number of complex problems in different spheres has been discussed. By way of conclusion, it has been argued that a common identity is much required for furthering the process of regional integration in South Asia, which should be built on the common indicators of human development in the social sector as well as upon the common values, lifestyle and socio-cultural norms of the peoples of this region, like the ASEAN vision of an ASEAN Socio Cultural Community (ASCC).

Politics of Economic Corridors in South Asia

Rise of Asia has necessitated the greater interconnection and economic integration around the globe. The scope of development is not limited to a nation or a particular region only, in fact, it is taking place across nations as well as regions and sub-regions in Asia. The concept of ‘Economic Corridor’ is used to explain this phenomenon of connectivity. Economic corridors work as a catalyst for regional integration and a driver for inclusive growth by bringing underdeveloped regions into the upward growth trajectory. South Asia is characterised with booming economic growth while economic corridors are playing the role of a catalyst for regional and economic integration. However, such corridors are also creating many political challenges in the region. Hostility among the regional states is a critical factor. In this background, this paper analyses the shaping of economic corridors along regional transport routes and tries to address this question as to how industrial expansion and assortment can bring vibrant change in the region. Moreover, the role of economic corridors is being discussed as a key factor for regional integration in South Asia. The paper also addresses the key political challenges in the implementation of these networks. While discussing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIMEC) are the main focus of this paper.

The Missing Link in Regional Integration in South Asia: The Case for Regional and Sub-regional Political Institutions

Regional governance efforts in South Asia have been missing regional political institutions. There is no shortage of ideas and suggestions by scholars, practitioners, diplomats and others in terms of areas for integration in South Asia. And yet, regional integration continues in a piecemeal like stuttering fashion. Integration lags not because there are questions about the efficacy of regional integration or questions about where or what to integrate, it lags because of the path forward—in terms of how—is unclear. Regional or sub-regional political institutions vested with the decision-making authority can aid in integration better than the status quo. Political institutions in contrast to forums or summit-convening authorities can make decisions of their own benefiting the interests of those whom they represent. This article examines the current state of regional governance efforts in South Asia and evaluates the argument for regional and sub-regional political institutions.

Regional Integration in Services in South Asia

Regional integration in South Asia remains a distant priority for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries. In the area of services, this region offers a great potential. This article aims to examine the opportunities that exist in services and analyses the constraints that impede regional integration in services in South Asia. It highlights the gamut of scope and benefits that can be accrued from this regional integration in services provided certain constraints such as regulatory, infrastructural, institutional and business-related constraints are addressed adequately. The article argues that the region throws up several political and economic challenges which merit immediate attention to further the cause of integration of services. It identifies intraregional mobility, trade facilitation and investment opportunities as the key drivers of regional integration. Sectors such as tourism and health care have huge potential. Intervention from governments of all member countries in specific sectors like tourism is crucial to realize the goal. The article argues for an open, broad-based, flexible regional services agreement, which takes a liberal approach to services integration. It is important that regulatory harmonization, liberal investment policies, willingness towards free movement of natural persons and political will of high order are encouraged to seek such integration in services.

Book Review: Prabir De and Mustafizur Rehman (eds.), Regional Integration in South Asia: Essays in Honour of Dr M. Rahmatullah

Book Review: Prabir De and Mustafizur Rehman (eds.), <i>Regional Integration in South Asia: Essays in Honour of Dr M. Rahmatullah</i>

Book Review: Mustafizur Rahman (Ed.), Towards Regional Integration in South Asia: Promoting Trade Facilitation and Connectivity

Book Review: Mustafizur Rahman (Ed.), <i>Towards Regional Integration in South Asia: Promoting Trade Facilitation and Connectivity</i>

TRADE IN SOUTH ASIA IN THE NAME OF SUB-REGIONAL TRADE CORRIDOR

The development of the corridor for the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (sub-regional) Motor Vehicle Agreement is rooted in the formation of the South Asian Growth Quadrangle (SAGQ), a collective organization established by the four South Asian nations. To meet its goal, SAGQ was tasked with improving cross-border connectivity, boosting trade among member countries, and strengthening sub-regional economic integration. The strategic location of North East India implies that the sub-regional corridor will significantly impact the development of the region. over the past 20 years, despite dedicated programs and attempts from multiple stakeholders within the SAGQ to promote development within sub-regional, not enough has happened to facilitate regional trade, transport, and the movement of goods and people across the region. Consider the existing state of affairs: intraregional trade among South Asian countries accounted for only 5 percent of their trade in 2015. This low level of regional integration in South Asia is manifested in poor intraregional investment. Higher levels of integration to ensure smooth access to regional and international markets is even more important for smaller, less developed, and landlocked nations such as Nepal and Bhutan.

SAARC for Geopolitical Symbolism

Unlike its other counterparts, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as the first of its kind experiment at regional integration in South Asia has almost reached a point of stagnation. The idea that was flagged off in 1985 has not delivered significant returns either as a forum to enhance intra-regional trade or as an institutional platform for conflict management and dialogue. This article argues that the SAARC as an idea has not been seen more than a geopolitical symbol of regional cooperation in South Asia. As global power pivots towards Asia, a stable and integrated South Asia could well be a game changer. However, the regional organisation has not been able to embody the spirit of multilateralism and remains on the sidelines, marred by long-standing bilateral issues. States in South Asia are either looking beyond the region or investing in subregional initiatives to further their interests.

The Bottom-Up Approach to Regional Integration in South Asia

The Bottom-Up Approach to Regional Integration in South Asia

Regional Integration and the Post-2015 Framework

Being universal and at the same time necessitating country-level plans and policies, the post-2015 framework is expected to create opportunities and face challenges related to implementation. This article explores the potential for regional integration in South Asia to implement the post-2015 framework. The article presents an overview of progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which highlight areas of weaknesses for South Asian countries and a comparison of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Goals to identify the gaps that South Asia may experience. This is followed up with a discussion on regional means of implementation that may improve prospects of successful implementation of the post-2015 framework. The article finds that incentivizing regional integration could help generate sustainable development outcomes if contextual factors and evidence-based policies that address political, economic and historical barriers are meaningfully considered.

Regional Economic Integration in South Asia: Prospects and Challenges

Realizing its importance, the South Asian region has also embarked upon various processes of regional economic integration. However, the South Asian regional integration process is fraught with difficulties, especially due to a lack of understanding about the very economics of regional economic integration. Thus, this paper dwells upon some of the conceptual issues pertaining to regional economic cooperation in general and specific to the South Asian region. It also documents the progress made in SAARC, the SAFTA trade liberalization and associated mechanisms alongside the nature of safeguards provided for. In this respect, developmental perspectives of safeguards are put forth. Some fresh insights on the status of SAARC trade integration process in a dynamic setting are also brought out. The paper also highlights the potentials for deeper economic integration in the region. The paper further illustrates some of the areas wherein project-based cooperation is feasible in the region. Finally, the paper makes an objective assessment of the regional integration process and identifies certain policy-induced and structural constraints that have important policy-implications.

South Asian Regional Integration – Challenges and Prospects

AbstractSouth Asian regional integration is seemingly confronting many challenges. The aim of this paper is to identify those challenges and also look for prospects. Although regional integration in South Asia has adopted a kind of institutionalization, it is yet to deliver any concrete outcomes. High-politics and the not-so-conducive regional economic structures hinder any effectual culmination. However, constructivism, as a theory, is given due credence in this paper when looking for future prospects. The paper highlights the issues, and attempts to offer certain policy directions by analyzing the challenges and identifying the prospects in the on-going integration/cooperation process.

Regional Integration in South Asia: An Analysis of Trade Flows Using the Gravity Model

The study deals with trade benefits from the free trade agreement of the SAARC countries. It assesses the trade potential and trade creation with member and non-member countries. The gravity model has been used to measure the bilateral trade flows and to assess the trade effect for member and non-member countries. Two analyses estimate the gravity model. The first analysis is based on crosssectional data to capture the trade effect individually each year; and the second analysisutilises the pooled data to measure the overall trade effects and trade flows for the period 2003 to 2008. The results from the two approaches show that estimated coefficients are consistent with the model assumptions. Both analyses show that the regional trade agreement of the SAARC countries could divert the trade for member countries as well as for the non-member countries. However, trade volume will increase only if the major partners (Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka) sign regional trade agreements. JEL classification: F15 Keywords: Trade; Regional Integration; Gravity Model

The Political Economy of Trade Integration in South Asia: The Role of India

The South Asian regional trade integration process to date has generated only limited enthusiasm. It suffers from significant shortcomings, primarily on account of a very cautious approach adopted to achieve the ultimate objective of ‘free trade’ within the region. In turn, this has led to a fragmentation of the integration process, with some of the partners of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) bloc opting for a speedier and more liberal bilateral process with India. India’s engagement remains the critical feature as the single most important trading partner for almost all the other South Asian countries. However, the dynamics of Indian economic integration initiatives too have been changing rapidly, whereby it is looking increasingly to strengthen its economic relations with the wider Asian region. In this context, the question of India’s willingness to give leadership to carry the rest of South Asia as the bridge that connects the region to East Asia needs to be examined. The current evidence suggests that India has attempted to do so via a host of bilateral and regional arrangements, but that the divergences in strategic interests amongst SAARC countries has left Pakistan on the margins of an evolving scheme of overlapping trade initiatives in South Asia. Thus, while something approximating ‘free trade’ in South Asia appears to be taking shape, it is unlikely to take the form of an inclusive South Asian regional integration process envisaged by SAARC.

The Twelfth SAARC Summit

The adoption of the Framework Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) at the Islamabad SAARC Summit imparted a major thrust to the movement for regional integration in South Asia. Advantages of an FTA are derived not only from the enlargement of the market and enhanced investment flows but also from measures of deeper integration included in FTAs. These measures include trade facilitation, investment, services, joint development of infrastructure, monetary and financial cooperation, cooperation in science and technology, harmonisation of macro-economic policies, structural changes in production patterns and common strategy for negotiating in international fora and with other regional groupings. The article summarises the measures of deeper integration provided in regional groupings of developing countries. It gives a rough sequencing of such measures along the path of regional integration. Finally, it analyses the scope, significance and prospects of deeper integration in South Asia in selected areas.