India has good bilateral relations with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldive long before SAARC came into being. These countries, because of historical reasons. enjoy privileges which are unheard of elsewhere.For example, Nepali enjoy the same rights as Indians in India ( except voting). They can freely enter India(no visa is required), take up jobs( no work permit is required), buy property in India. They are eligible for Government jobs, including Military, where they join in large numbers.What does SAARC provide to Nepal that they do not already have vis-a vis India. Same is true for Bhutan. Sri Lanka and Maldive also do not need SAARC to deal with India.
Indian relations with Pakistan were strained due to reasons well known to everyone. BD foreign policy mandarins have tried to follow in the footsteps of Pakistan rather than the other neighbours of India in dealing with India. BD can as well deal with India bilaterally like other non-Pakistan neighbours. Where is the need of SAARC for that?
Edited on, February 10, 2005, 5:09 AM GMT, by cricketfan.
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