Question

The first summit of SAARC was held in _______________.
A. Kathmandu
B. Islamabad
C. Colombo
D. Dhaka

Answer 1

Hint: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral means and it was established in 1985. This organization promotes economic growth, cultural development, and social progress among its member nations. There are eight nations included in this organization.

Complete answer:
The first summit of SAARC was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 6th to 8th December 1985. Kathmandu, Nepal is the Headquarters of SAARC. On the basis of five principles, cooperation is realized in SAARC which are a mutual benefit, territorial integrity, political independence, sovereign equality, and non-interference in internal affairs of the Member States. Annual Summits are held in SAARC and it excludes bilateral and contentious issues from its deliberations of SAARC. In addition to the eight Member States which are Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, nine Observer States also join SAARC Summits which are China, Japan, USA, the European Union, Australia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Iran, and South Korea.
SAARC aims to promote social progress, economic growth, and cultural development within the South Asian region. The objectives of SAARC, as defined in its charter, are as follows: promote mutual assistance in the economic, technical, scientific, social, and cultural fields and active collaboration also; improve their quality of life of the people of South Asia and promote welfare; strengthen and promote collective self-reliance among the nations of South Asia; accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region by providing all individuals the opportunity to realize their full potential and live in dignity; contribute to mutual trust, appreciation, and understanding of one another’s problems; strengthen co-operation with other developing countries and also among the member states in international forums on matters of common interest, and cooperate with other regional and international organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Thus, option (D) is correct.

Note: Afghanistan in 2007 joined as the 8th member of SAARC. India is a founding member of SAARC. India is engaged in several projects in these countries and is an active development partner as per our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.