Pakistan and China Reportedly Working on SAARC Alternative to Counter India’s Influence in South Asia

In a significant development on the South Asian diplomatic front, China and Pakistan are reportedly collaborating to form a new regional bloc aimed at replacing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The proposed alliance is seen as a strategic move to dilute India’s influence in the region and reorient regional cooperation under a new framework.

According to diplomatic sources, the emerging bloc may include Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and potentially other smaller South Asian nations. This development comes amid the long-standing paralysis of SAARC, primarily due to tensions between India and Pakistan, and India’s growing tilt toward Western and Indo-Pacific alliances such as QUAD and I2U2.

A China-Pakistan Strategy to Isolate India?

The proposed group is reportedly being pitched as a “regional cooperation platform” for economic, infrastructural, and strategic collaboration — but analysts see it as a thinly veiled attempt to counterbalance India’s dominance in South Asia. China’s growing footprint through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Pakistan’s consistent push to reduce India-centric regional forums, may be central to the idea.

Bangladesh’s Possible Role

Bangladesh’s inclusion in early talks has raised eyebrows, considering Dhaka’s traditionally balanced diplomatic approach. While there is no official confirmation from the Sheikh Hasina-led government, experts say Dhaka could be tempted by Chinese investment and infrastructure offers.

India Unmoved by Realignment Attempts

India, meanwhile, has focused its energy on newer multilateral partnerships that bypass traditional SAARC frameworks. New Delhi has not responded officially to reports of this China-backed bloc, but insiders say India continues to engage with regional neighbours through BIMSTEC and bilateral initiatives that avoid contentious platforms involving Pakistan.

SAARC: A Body in Limbo

Formed in 1985, SAARC has been effectively defunct since the 2016 Islamabad summit was cancelled following the Uri terror attack. India has refused to resume normal ties with Pakistan until it ends cross-border terrorism, leading to a deadlock within the organization.

Observers say this new bloc may struggle with legitimacy and coherence, especially without India — the region’s largest economy and a major geopolitical player.